With the mid-term election fast approaching, one question lingers for many: What do I need to vote? It can be hard to answer, because policies vary by state.
There is some federal law that applies here. Even states that don’t require voter ID are bound to the minimum requirements of the 2002 Help America Vote Act. HAVA says that voters who register by mail need to provide their state driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. If they don’t provide either of those numbers, they need to attach a copy of a current photo ID or a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document with their name and address to their registration. If they didn’t provide any of that and are voting in a federal election for the first time in that state, they must provide the photo ID or other documentation listed above, whether they’re voting in person or by absentee ballot.
A second important point: Under HAVA, anyone without this documentation available when they vote is entitled to fill out a provisional ballot, which will then be verified according to that state’s law.
Here’s our guide to voting in each state (plus D.C.). Use the table of contents to navigate states, which are listed alphabetically.
Alabama–Georgia
Alabama
What ID is required? In Alabama, voters can use a photo ID issued by any state, the federal government, a tribal government, or an in-state college or university to vote.
What if I don’t have an ID? You can vote a regular ballot if two election officials sign a sworn affidavit identifying you as a registered, eligible voter on the poll list. Anyone else can cast a provisional ballot. You have to return by 5 p.m. on Friday with required ID for the vote to count.
Can I get a free ID? Registered voters without any of these forms of identification can get a free photo ID at the secretary of state’s office in Montgomery, their county’s board of registrars, or an official mobile location by filling out an application and providing documentation of the voter’s full legal name, date of birth, and Alabama address. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a receipt valid for voting for 45 days.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Voters with disabilities who can’t access their polling place are allowed to vote absentee without ID, but all other absentee ballots must contain a copy of a valid photo ID.
Alaska
What ID is required? Alaska voters are asked to have photo identification, but they can also present a bill, check, bank statement, or “other government issued document” that includes name and address.
What if I don’t have an ID? An election official who knows the voter can waive the requirement, and anyone who can’t provide any identification can vote a questioned ballot.
Arizona
[Editor’s Note: Arizona’s 2004 voter ID law was one of the strictest in the country. It required voters to prove citizenship before they could register to vote. In 2013, the Supreme Court overturned the law and decreed states can’t require proof of citizenship without prior authorization from the federal government or a court.]
What ID is required? Voters must either present a photo ID with name and address or two forms of non-photo ID that show name and address.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without ID have to vote a provisional ballot. To have the ballot count, you have to provide proper ID to the county elections office within five business days of the election.
Can I get a free ID? The voter registration card mailed to you is a qualified piece of non-photo identification to vote. Voters can use that in combination with another mailing labeled “official election material,” tribal ID, property tax statement, Arizona vehicle registration or insurance, a bank statement, and more.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? The deadline to request a new absentee ballot has passed, but if you have one, you can send it in without ID.
Arkansas
[Editor’s Note: Arkansas’ voter ID law, signed in March of 2017, has weathered some major challenges. It is nearly identical to the 2013 law that the Arkansas Supreme Court struck down in 2014. It deviates from that statute by allowing voters without ID to sign a sworn statement affirming their identity before casting a provisional ballot, which is counted unless issues arise. That 2017 law was initially blocked, but the Arkansas Supreme Court overturned the stay in October.]
What ID is required? To vote on November 6th, you must provide a photo ID, which can include a government, university, or state ID that is no more than four years expired.
What if I don’t have an ID? You can cast a provisional ballot with a sworn statement that you are the voter in question. The current law says that those provisional ballots “shall be counted” if they are cast in the correct precinct and the county board of election commissioners doesn’t find an issue. Issue two, up to voters this election, would change the state constitution to say those ballots will only be counted “if the voter subsequently certifies the provisional ballot in a manner provided by law,” effectively closing the loophole.
California
What ID is required? California voters don’t need to provide ID unless they’re required to by HAVA.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters who need ID and don’t have it can vote a provisional ballot.
Colorado
[Editor’s Note: Colorado voters are sent their ballots by mail.]
What ID is required? All voters at the polls have to provide identification—though it doesn’t have to have a photo. Colorado accepts IDs from its government; student ID cards from Colorado colleges and universities; or a utility bill, bank statement, or check with the voter’s name and address. Exemptions exist for voters in residential or correctional facilities.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without proper ID in person can vote a provisional ballot. Also, filling out a provisional ballot automatically registers you for the next election, whether it’s counted or not.
Can I get a free ID? No. Colorado non-driver IDs cost $11.50. The fee is waived for those 60 and older.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? It’s too late to request a mail ballot or return a ballot by mail, but if you have one, you can drop it off at a ballot box without ID.
Connecticut
What ID is required? Poll workers will request a document that shows name and address, name and signature, or name and photo.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without one can sign a sworn declaration of identity and vote a normal ballot, unless required by HAVA to show ID.
Delaware
What ID is required? Delaware asks voters to show a government document with their name and address.
What if I don’t have an ID? If you show up to the polls without any identification, you have to fill out a sworn declaration of identity. Then you can vote a regular ballot.
District of Columbia
What ID is required? D.C. voters who are already registered to vote don’t need to bring ID unless required to by HAVA. If you’re registering in person, you need to provide some identification that shows your name and address. This can be any government-issued ID, a paycheck, a lease, a tuition or housing bill from a D.C. college, and more.
What if I don’t have an ID? You can vote a provisional ballot. You can find out if it’s been counted at 5 p.m. on the day after the election, and you may challenge the decision not to count it via a hearing on Thursday.
Florida
What ID is required? Florida asks voters to provide a photo ID with a signature.
What if I don’t have an ID? If you don’t have identification, you can cast a provisional ballot. The signature on the ballot will be compared to the signature on your registration, and, if they match, your vote will count.
Georgia
What ID is required? Georgia voters have to show any valid state or federal ID (though expired Georgia driver’s licenses work), a U.S. passport, a government employee photo ID, a military photo ID, or a tribal photo ID.
What if I don’t have an ID? If you don’t have ID at the polls, you can cast a provisional ballot and present acceptable ID to the county registrar within three days.
Can I get a free ID? Georgia offers free Voter Identification Cards. To get one, a voter must bring ID to a county registrar showing their full legal name, date of birth, residential address, and proof of voter registration. A free ID can also be acquired at any Georgia Driver Services location, but there you need a Social Security card, any applicable name change documentation, and a signed affidavit as well.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? November 2nd is the last day to request an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots can be returned without voter ID.
Hawaii–Maryland
Hawaii
What ID is required? The law doesn’t specify, but the board of elections asks for a photo ID or government document with name and address.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without any identification can recite their date of birth and address, then vote a regular ballot.
Idaho
What ID is required? Idaho asks voters to present a photo ID.
What if I don’t have an ID? If a voter doesn’t have one, they can sign a sworn declaration of identity and vote a regular ballot.
Illinois
What ID is required? Illinois voters don’t have to show ID to vote unless they’re required to by HAVA. If you register in person during the grace period (the end of October through Election Day), you need to show two forms of ID, which can include credit cards, union cards, leases, school IDs, vehicle registration, and mail sent to your current address, among others.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters who need ID and don’t have it can cast a provisional ballot.
Indiana
What ID is required?In Indiana, a photo ID is required. The ID can be expired, as long as it was valid through the last general election. Student IDs with a photo and expiration date from public Indiana universities and colleges are acceptable, but not from private institutions.
What if I don’t have an ID? Anyone without an ID can cast a provisional ballot and return within 10 days. Exemptions exist for the indigent, those with a religious objection to being photographed, and anyone living (and voting) in a state-licensed facility. The first two exemptions require you either to early vote or to cast a provisional ballot on Election Day, then claim the exemption at the county election office within 10 days.
Can I get a free ID? Yes. Indiana provides free Indiana state ID cards for voting purposes. However, applicants need to visit a BMV branch and provide proof of Indiana residency, lawful status, and a Social Security number.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? The deadline to request a ballot has passed, but if you have a ballot, you can vote without a photo ID.
Iowa
[Editor’s Note: In May of 2017, Iowa’s governor signed a voter ID law that takes effect in 2019. Many provisions of the law have been challenged. After January 1st, 2019, Iowa voters without ID can cast a provisional ballot and return with identification before the Monday after Election Day. The information below applies to the November 6th, 2018, election.]
What ID is required? Iowa residents are asked to show a driver’s license, Iowa state ID, military or veteran’s ID, tribal ID, passport, or their voter registration card at the polls.
What if I don’t have an ID? Anyone without ID can sign an oath affirming their identity, then vote a regular ballot.
Kansas
What ID is required? Kansas voters have to provide photo identification, which can include any state’s license or identification card, any state’s handgun license, a government employee badge, a student ID from a Kansas postsecondary institution, tribal ID, and more. Voters 65 and over can also use expired photo identification.
What if I don’t have an ID? Anyone without photo ID can vote a provisional ballot, but it won’t be counted unless the voter brings valid photo ID before the votes are counted, usually on the following Monday. Additionally, those with religious objections to being photographed can sign a declaration exempting them from the requirement.
Can I get a free ID? The state provides free Kansas birth certificates so voters can acquire free state identification cards and free voter IDs to those born outside Kansas who lacks the documents required to get a state identification card.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? No. Any registered voter can request a mail ballot, but a form of photo ID must be included with the request.
Kentucky
What ID is required? Kentucky voters must provide identification at the polls (which can include credit cards, bills, and more) or be identified by a precinct officer who personally knows them.
What if I don’t have an ID? Anyone without those forms of ID can vote a provisional ballot.
Can I get a free ID? No. State ID cards cost $12.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? The deadline to request a ballot has passed, but if you have a ballot, you can vote absentee without an ID.
Louisiana
What ID is required? Louisiana voters need to provide a photo ID at the polls.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without one can sign an affidavit and vote (though that ballot can be challenged).
Can I get a free ID? Free voter ID cards are available at the Office of Motor Vehicles with a voter information card (which can be accessed and printed online).
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Not everyone can. Disabled and homebound voters who apply through the special disabled absentee application have to show proof of disability, and, on the general application, students who are first-time voters, the incarcerated, jurors, the hospitalized, and nursing home residents must provide additional proof. November 2nd at 4:30 CST is the deadline to request a ballot.
Maine
What ID is required? Voters don’t have to provide ID unless they’re registering on Election Day. New Maine voters can register with a Maine ID or a Social Security number (or neither, but they then have to prove residency).
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters who don’t have ID or proof of residence can vote a challenged ballot.
Maryland
What ID is required? Maryland voters don’t need to provide ID unless required to by HAVA.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters are entitled to vote a provisional ballot. They must show ID to the local board of elections before 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday after the election.
Can I get a free ID? Only disabled Maryland residents are entitled to a free state ID, but they still need to provide proof of identity, date of birth, lawful presence in the U.S., Social Security number, and Maryland residency.
Massachusetts–New Jersey
Massachusetts
What ID is required? Voters don’t have to provide ID unless asked to by a poll worker. Reasons can include being required to by HAVA, being an inactive voter, casting a provisional ballot, or “reasonable suspicion” on the part of the poll worker.
What if I don’t have an ID? Those first-time voters can cast provisional ballots but have to return with some form of identification by the close of polls for the vote to count.
Michigan
What ID is required? Michigan voters are asked for photo ID.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without ID can cast a regular ballot by signing an affidavit of identity.
Minnesota
What ID is required? Active Minnesota voters don’t need ID at the polls unless they’re required to by HAVA. Anyone who needs to update their registration or register at the polling place must show proof of residence.
What if I don’t have an ID? Another registered voter from your precinct can sign an oath vouching for your address. You can also use a student fee statement, a utility bill, a high school ID, a college housing list, and more. Once your address is confirmed, you can vote a regular ballot.
Mississippi
What ID is required? All Mississippi voters need a photo ID to cast a ballot at the polls. It can be up to 10 years expired.
What if I don’t have an ID? Exceptions exist for anyone with a religious objection to being photographed (they must sign an affidavit and follow up within five days after the election) and anyone voting at a state-licensed care facility. Anyone without an acceptable photo ID can vote an affidavit ballot, then provide acceptable photo ID up to five business days after the election.
Can I get a free ID? Free IDs for registered voters are available at any circuit clerk’s office, and rides to the offices can be arranged by calling 1-844-MSVOTER. At the office, you only need to provide one form of acceptable ID or your name, state of birth, and mother’s maiden name, in some cases. The card is mailed to the voter within 45 days, but if there’s an upcoming election, the clerk will provide a receipt valid for voting.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Those eligible to cast absentee ballots by mail do not have to provide a photo ID. There’s no official deadline to request a ballot, but your application must be notarized and mailed, so don’t delay.
Missouri
What ID is required? Missouri voters are asked to show ID from the state or government, or else show a government document with name and address and sign a statement.
What if I don’t have an ID? Those without ID can cast a provisional ballot. You can come back to the polling place with photo ID to make the vote count. If you do not, that ballot’s signature is compared to the signature on the voter’s registration record and counted if they match.
Montana
What ID is required? Montana voters are asked to show ID, which can be a photo ID with name, registration confirmation, utility bill, bank statement, or government document with name and address.
What if I don’t have an ID? Those who forget to bring ID to the polls can fill out a Polling Place Elector ID form—which asks for Montana ID number or Social Security number—then vote normally. If a voter doesn’t have these numbers, they can vote a provisional ballot and provide identification by 5 p.m. the next day.
Can I get a free ID? No. Montana state IDs cost $8.24 for residents under 21 and $16.48 for residents over 21.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Anyone who’s voted in Montana before can vote absentee without ID. The deadline to request a ballot is noon on Monday the 1st.
Nebraska
What ID is required? Nebraska voters don’t need to provide ID unless they’re required to by HAVA.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters can provide their Nebraska ID number or Social Security number. Otherwise, they’re entitled to vote a provisional ballot.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Of those who need to present ID under HAVA, only an elderly or disabled person who has requested to vote absentee can vote without ID.
Nevada
What ID is required? Registered Nevada voters don’t need to show ID unless they’re required to by HAVA. When you show up to the polls, you have to sign your name, and the signature is compared to the signature on the voter registration or a photo ID with a signature.
What if I don’t have an ID? You’re entitled to vote a provisional ballot.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Maybe. The deadline to request a ballot has passed, but HAVA ID requirements are waived if you sent a notarized, written request for an absentee ballot or if you requested an absentee ballot in person at the county clerk’s office.
New Hampshire
What ID is required? New Hampshire asks voters to bring a photo ID (which can be from another state or a school) or have their identity verified by a moderator of the checklist or a town clerk, though this can be challenged.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without proper photo ID can sign a challenged voter affidavit, have the moderator take their picture and attach it to the affidavit, then vote normally. Voters with religious objections to being photographed will instead attach a declaration of religious exemption to the affidavit. You will then receive mail asking if you voted; you must reply to this within 30 days confirming your vote.
Can I get a free ID? A voter can get a free photo ID by presenting a voucher from a town clerk or secretary of state to a New Hampshire DMV office.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Voters who register as absentee voters must provide ID with their registration. Voters who are already registered can request an ballot by mail without providing ID; their signature on the absentee request must match the signature on their ballot. There’s no specific deadline to request, but don’t delay if you plan to submit by mail.
New Jersey
What ID is required? New Jersey voters don’t need to provide ID unless they’re required to by HAVA.
What if I don’t have an ID? You’ll vote by provisional ballot.
New Mexico–South Carolina
New Mexico
What ID is required? New Mexico voters only need to provide their name, birth year, and address unless they’re required to provide ID by HAVA.
What if I don’t have an ID? You’ll be issued a provisional ballot.
New York
What ID is required? New York voters don’t need to provide ID unless they’re required to by HAVA.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without ID can vote by affidavit, but must return with some form of identification (a check, a government document, and more) on Election Day for the ballot to be counted.
North Carolina
[Editor’s Note: A federal appeals court struck down North Carolina’s voter ID laws on July 29th, 2018. The information below applies to the November 6th, 2018, election.]
What ID is required? North Carolina voters don’t need to provide ID unless they’re required to by HAVA.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without needed ID can vote by provisional ballot.
North Dakota
[Editor’s Note: North Dakota is the only state without a voter registration system. Voters have to provide a form of ID with their current address and date of birth. Because many Native Americans in North Dakota don’t have street addresses, or their tribal IDs lack an address, this was a major point of contention in the 2016 lawsuit that blocked the law from taking effect during the primaries. However, in early October, the Supreme Court decided 6–2 to let the law stand for the November 6th election, and a last-ditch lawsuit failed to enjoin it.]
What ID is required? North Dakota requires an ID (photo optional) with the voter’s legal name, birthday, and current street address. If your driver’s license or tribal ID doesn’t display your current address, you must bring a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document showing your current address to supplement your ID.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without an ID displaying their current address can update their address online, but to receive a driver’s license or non-driver ID with the new address, you have to go to the DMV in person and apply for a duplicate, which requires alternate identification and $8. Voters living in long-term care facilities can use a long-term care certificate issued by their in-state facility. Those without any acceptable ID can vote a provisional ballot and show valid ID to the election administrator before the canvass on the sixth day after the election.
Can I get a free ID? Yes. Free ID cards are available for those 18 and older at drivers licensing sites, but there are only 19 in the state, and only four are open every business day. You also need proof of identity (original or certified copies only).
Can I vote absentee without an ID? No. Most voters need to provide identification to request an absentee ballot. However, those unable to obtain an ID because of disability can have another qualified voter attest to their address on their application.
Ohio
What ID is required? Ohio voters need to announce their full name and provide identification, which can include utility bills, bank statements, paychecks, or government documents that include name and current address.
What if I don’t have an ID? Anyone without identification can vote a provisional ballot, which can be verified either by Social Security number, state identification number, or by returning with ID within seven days of the election.
Can I get a free ID? No. New ID cards cost $8.50.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Yes, though it also requires a Social Security number or state identification number. The deadline to request a ballot is noon on Saturday, November 3rd.
Oklahoma
What ID is required? Oklahoma voters have to show proof of identity before receiving a ballot, either with a photo ID or the voter identification card they received when they registered to vote.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without identification can sign a sworn affidavit and vote a provisional ballot, which will be compared to the voter’s registration.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? The deadline to request a ballot has passed, but if you already have one, you only need to have it witnessed by two others or notarized to count.
Oregon
[Editor’s Note: Oregon voters are sent their ballots by mail.]
What ID is required? To register, voters provide the last four digits of their Social Security number, an Oregon ID number, or, if they lack both, a paycheck, utility bill, bank statement, or government document.
What if I don’t have an ID? You can request a provisional ballot from the county election office.
Pennsylvania
What ID is required? Pennsylvania voters must bring identification the first time they vote at a given polling place, which can be a photo ID or a document with name and address.
What if I don’t have an ID? You can vote by provisional ballot.
Rhode Island
What ID is required? Rhode Island voters need to bring an unexpired photo ID to the polls, which can include a Rhode Island ID, tribal ID, or student ID.
What if I don’t have an ID? Anyone without an ID at the polls can vote a provisional ballot. The signature on that ballot will be compared with the signature on the voter’s registration card.
South Carolina
What ID is required? South Carolina voters must present photo ID (South Carolina ID, federal military ID, or U.S. passport) when voting in person.
What if I don’t have an ID? If they don’t have an ID at the polling place, they can vote a provisional ballot and return with ID by Thursday or Friday, or sign an affidavit saying they have a “reasonable impediment” to getting a free photo ID. The ballot will count unless someone proves the affidavit is false.
Can I get a free ID? Yes. South Carolina ID cards are free for people 17 and older, although you must prove citizenship, identity, and proof of residency. Voters can get a free photo ID from a county registration office.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Voters can submit an absentee ballot by mail without photo ID. The deadline to request a ballot is 5 p.m. on Friday, November 2nd.
South Dakota–Wyoming
South Dakota
What ID is required? South Dakota voters are asked to show photo ID.
What if I don’t have an ID? Those without it can sign a sworn affidavit affirming their identity and vote normally.
Tennessee
What ID is required? In Tennessee, voters must present a state- or federally issued photo ID at the polls. Additionally, anyone who registered online or by mail must present valid ID in person at their first election after registration.
What if I don’t have an ID? People with a religious objection to being photographed, and people who can’t afford the documents necessary for an ID, can execute an affidavit of identity provided by the county’s election commission, then vote. Any other voters without proper ID can fill out a provisional ballot, but it will only be counted if you return by close of business on Thursday.
Can I get a free ID? Non-religious, non-indigent voters can get a free photo ID through the state. First, they must register to vote, then follow the normal procedure to get a non-driver ID: Show up in person at an eligible driver service center with proof of citizenship, primary and secondary identification, and two proofs of Tennessee residency. Additionally, anyone with a disability (physical or intellectual) can get a permanent ID for free, provided they have the same identification requirements and a doctor’s statement that says they are unable to drive.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? The deadline to request a ballot has passed, but if you have one, you don’t need to show ID to vote unless you registered remotely and it’s your first election. (If you registered on the permanent absentee list, this does not apply.)
Texas
[Editor’s Note: A federal appeals court upheld Texas’ law in August.]
What ID is required? Texas voters are asked to provide photo ID (which can be expired for up to four years for voters 69 or younger and expired for any length of time for voters 70 and up).
What if I don’t have an ID? If a voter doesn’t have one of the accepted forms of photo ID, they can fill out a declaration describing a reasonable impediment to getting one and provide a government document that shows name and address, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or birth certificate. Voters with disabilities can apply for a permanent exception, and those with religious objections to being photographed can apply for temporary exemptions. There’s also an exemption for victims of natural disasters. If you have no ID at all, you can submit a provisional ballot, which will count if ID is provided within six calendar days of the election.
Can I get a free ID? Yes. Texas offers free Election Identification Certificates to voters who are 17 years and 10 months or older and who can verify their citizenship, identity, and eligibility to vote in Texas.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? The deadline to request an absentee ballot has passed, but if you have a ballot, you do not need to provide ID unless required to by HAVA.
Utah
[Editor’s Note: Many Utah voters get a ballot mailed to their address.]
What ID is required? Voters in Utah need a valid voter ID at the polls, which can be one photo ID or two forms of non-photo ID with address. This can include a Utah ID or concealed carry permit, a tribal ID card, passport, or government ID, or two forms of other identification, which can include vehicle registrations, Utah postsecondary student ID, Medicaid, Medicare or EBT cards, hunting or fishing licenses, and more.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters without ID can vote a provisional ballot, which will be counted if they provide ID to the election officer by Monday after the election or “the county clerk verifies the person’s identity and residence through some other means as reliable as photo identification.”
Can I get a free ID? If you are homeless, you can get a free Utah ID if you have the required documentation. Additionally, those who can no longer drive can exchange their driver’s license for a free state identification card. All others must pay $23.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Voters who have voted in Utah before do not need ID to vote absentee. Also, voters returning their mailed ballots do not need to present ID.
Vermont
What ID is required? Vermont voters don’t need to provide ID unless they’re required to by HAVA.
What if I don’t have an ID? You can vote by provisional ballot.
Can I get a free ID? No. Non-driver’s licenses cost $24. Those on Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability can get a state ID for $10.
Virginia
What ID is required? Virginia requires all voters to have a photo ID, which can be up to a year expired.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters who show up to the polls without acceptable ID can vote a provisional ballot and provide a copy of their photo ID by noon on Friday to have it count.
Can I get a free ID? Virginia offers free voter identification cards to all residents; the application only requires the last four digits of the voter’s Social Security number, and if an election is less than 21 days away, voters receive a temporary voter identification document that will allow them to vote. Voters can apply for and receive a free temporary identification document on Election Day.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Yes, if you qualify, unless you’re required to show ID under HAVA.
Washington
[Editor’s Note: Washington voters are sent their ballots by mail.]
What ID is required? To register to vote online, Washington voters must provide their Washington State ID number or Social Security number. Anyone who registers to vote without these needs to provide some form of ID with their ballot. Additionally, voters who choose to vote in person using an audiovisual unit need to provide ID, which can be a photo ID, voter registration card, or government document.
What if I don’t have an ID? You can request a provisional ballot in person.
West Virginia
[Editor’s Note: West Virginia’s voter ID law went into effect in January of 2018.]
What ID is required? Voters must show a valid, unexpired photo or non-photo identification at the polls. There are three exemptions: first, those in state care facilities who vote there don’t have to provide ID. Second, if a poll worker knows the voter, they don’t need to show ID. And, finally, voters without ID can bring an adult who has known the voter for six months, has a photo ID with their own name and address, and signs an affidavit confirming the identity of the voter.
What if I don’t have an ID? Any voters who show up without ID at the polls can vote a provisional ballot; the signature on the ballot will be compared to the voter registration.
Can I get a free ID? Free voter IDs are available from county clerks. Voters must apply in person.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Anyone can vote absentee-by-mail without voter ID.
Wisconsin
What ID is required? Wisconsin voters are required to show a photo ID at the polls.
What if I don’t have an ID? Voters at their correct polling place without proof of identification can vote a provisional ballot, then provide the municipal clerk ID by 4 p.m. on Friday for it to be counted.
Can I get a free ID? Voters who lack the documentation for a typical Wisconsin ID card can apply for a free voter ID by providing as much of their birth record as they have available. Voters who apply for a free identification in the week before the election will be overnighted a paper receipt that is valid for voting.
Can I vote absentee without an ID? Voters submitting absentee ballots must provide ID when applying unless they’re military, permanent overseas voters, or “confidential electors” (with documentation from a court, law enforcement, or domestic violence service). Additionally, voters in care facilities and voters with disabilities can have a witness certify their identity in lieu of attaching a copy of their photo ID to their application. The deadline for general absentee ballot requests has passed, but indefinitely confined and military voters can request a ballot by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 2nd.
Wyoming
What ID is required? Wyoming voters who are already registered can vote without identification unless required to by HAVA. Voters who are registering for the first time need to provide either a photo ID from the government, military, or a school, or two forms of alternate documentation. This can occur at the polls on Election Day.
What if I don’t have an ID? You can vote a provisional ballot, but you need to provide proof of eligibility to the county clerk by the close of business on Wednesday.
