Identification Requirements to Register and Vote: Most states require voters to provide either your driver's license OR your Social Security number when you register to vote, along with the street address of your current residence. In addition, some states require voters to bring specific types of ID with them to the polls on Election Day. Below lists each state requirement to register to vote, which states have online voter applications, what voters need to bring to the polls, links to find poll locations, early voting days, and other information needed to be prepared for Election Day, November 6, 2012.
In 2011, several state legislatures passed new voter identification and election laws that could potentially disenfranchise many voters in the General Elections. Please read our Voter Suppression Fact Sheet to get more information about passage of voter suppression laws. In addition to general election information, you will find information about all passed, proposed, and pending voter suppression legislation in each state. This is the most current information available, but could possibly change depending on when certain voter and election laws are implemented and if any pending legislation passes and is implemented before the Election Day. However, the requirements that are listed here for each state will most likely be requirements that will apply for the November 6, 2012 General Election.
For federal resources on state voting, check out the US Election Assistance Commission, which has a national mail voter registration form (PDF) you can use to register in every state.
Remember, students have a right to register and vote where they go to school even if you do not intend to reside there permanently. If you have any problems, call a Campus Organizer at the Feminist Majority Foundation for assistance - (703) 522-2214 (East Coast) or (310) 556-2500 (West Coast).
NEBRASKA
Voter Registration Deadline: October 19, 2012 Applications that are mailed must be postmarked. In-person registration must be completed on October 26, 2012 at the County Election Office before 6:00pm.
Voter registration drives:
Contact the Nebraska Secretary of State for more information.
Where to Register:Voters can register to vote here(PDF), at their local County Election Office, or at public assistance agencies, banks, post offices and libraries.
Voter Suppression Legislation: Bill 239(PDF)
Voter Identification Requirements:
If you mail in your ballot, you should include a copy of one of these permissible forms of ID. If you do not, you will have to present an ID at the polls on Election Day.
Early voting/Absentee voting: All county election offices will accept Early Voting applications up to 120 days prior to a statewide Primary or General election. The last day to request an Early Voting ballot is Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 4:00pm. Click here (PDF) to download and complete the early voter application. All Early Voting ballots, whether personally delivered, delivered by agent, delivered by mail or other carriers must arrive by the closing of the polls on Election Day at 8:00pm Central Time / 7:00 pm Mountain Time.
Polling Hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm To find your polling location click here
State Election Officals:
Nebraska Secretary of State
Phone: (402) 471-2555
http://www.sos.ne.gov/dyindex.html#boxingName
NEVADA
Voter registration deadline: For the June 12, 2012 Primaries, the registration deadline is May 22, 2012. For the General Election, October 16, 2012 is the deadline
Voter registration drives: If you want to order official registration forms in bulk, you can submit a request to the Nevada Secretary of State. Whenever an individual or organization requests 50 or more voter registration applications, they must first submit a Mail-in Voter Registration Application Distribution Plan. Click here for Nevada's voter registration drive guide.
Where to Register: Click here for the voter registration application and Mail or Deliver in person to the county clerk or registrar in your county.
Nevada has ONLINE voter registration. Click here to register online.
Voter Suppression Legislation: Senate Bill 373; Failed.
Voter Identification Requirements: When you go to vote, you must sign your name on election board register at your polling location. Your signature will be compared with the signature or facsimile of your original application to register to vote, or one of the following:
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The voter registration card issued at the time he or she registered to vote
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Nevada driver's license or state identification card
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Identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles
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A military identification card
Any other form of identification issued by a governmental agency which contains the voter's signature and physical description or picture.
Early voting dates: Primaries early voting starts May 26, 2012; ends June 8, 2012. For the General Election, Early Voting begins October 20, 2012 and ends November 2, 2012.
Absentee Voting: The Absent Ballot Request Form must be received by your local county election official by 7 pm on Election Day. To request an absentee ballot click here.
Polling Hours: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
State Election Officials:
Phone: 775-684-5705
Elections specialists: 775-684-7126 or 775-684-5650
http://nvsos.gov/index.aspx?page=3
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Voter Registration Deadline: State Primary Election deadline: September 11, 2012, General Election Day deadline: November 6, 2012.
Voter Registration Drive: New Hampshire does not permit registration drives.
Where to Register:Voters can register at their county/town clerk office up to 10 days before the General Election, or in person on Election Day.
Voter Suppression Legislation: Senate Bill 129; Vetoed by Governor on 6/27/11.
Voter Identification Requirements: The applicant must prove his or her identity during the application process. A person who has in his or her immediate possession a New Hampshire driver's license, Armed Services identification, other photo identification issued by the United States government, a photo driver's license issued by any state or the federal government, a United States passport, or photo identification issued by local or state government must present that identification.
A person who does not prove his/her identity to register to vote must present one of the following forms of ID on Election Day:
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Other forms of photo identification judged to be legitimate and trustworthy by the Supervisors, such as ID badges issued by hospitals, employers, or educational institutions
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Verification of the person's identity by another person registered as a voter and known to the supervisor or clerk
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Other reasonable means as determined by the Supervisors.
As a last resort, a person may prove identity by completing the affidavit required of a challenged voter.
Early Voting: None.
Voting Absentee: Absentee ballots will be accepted no later than 5:00 pm on Election Day. Absentee ballots are available from your town or city clerk approximately 30 days prior to an election. Click here for absentee voter requirements and other information. A voter who has received an official absentee ballot must either mail or personally deliver it to the city or town clerk.
Click here for the absentee ballot application form. The applicant must complete the form and send it to the clerk of the town or city in where he or she wants to vote.
Polling Hours: Vary by location, click here to check your polling location and hours.
State Election Office:
New Hampshire Secretary of State's Election Division
http://www.sos.nh.gov/electionsnew.html
Phone: 603-271-3242
NEW JERSEY
Voter Registration Deadline: 2012 General Election: October 18, 2012
Voter Registration Drive: Contact New Jersey Division of Elections at 609-292-3760 to request a bulk amount of voter registration forms. Collect and return completed voter registration forms to New Jersey Division of Elections. When contacting the Division of Elections, they will provide you with the address in which the forms must be returned.
Where to Register: Download the registration form and mail or hand-deliver to the county commission or the state Division of Elections, or go to their offices to fill-out a form in person.
Voter Suppression Legislation: Assembly 264, Senate 2996; In original committee
Voter Identification Requirements: Voter must show identification at polling place when they go to vote. Identification consists of one of the following forms below of identification or any other identifying document that the Attorney General has determined to be acceptable for this purpose.
Identification may include, but not limited to:
Any Current and Valid Photo ID:
OR
- Bank statement
- Car registration
- Government check or document
- Non-photo driver's license
- Rent receipt
- Sample ballot
- Utility bill
- or any other official document
Early Voting: None.
Voting Absentee: In New Jersey, any voter can now vote by Absentee Ballot for any election. The last day to receive mail applications for military service and civilian absentee ballots for the General Election: October 26, 2010. An absentee ballot must be RECEIVED by the County Board of Elections no later than 8:00 pm on Election Day.
Polling Hours: 6:00 am - 8:00 pm
State Election Officials:
(609) 292-3760
http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/
NEW MEXICO
Voting Registration Deadline: TBA
Voter Registration Drive: Individuals or groups conducting voter registration drives may use either the National Voter Registration Form, or the New Mexico Certificate of Registration Form. Once a form is filled out, individuals or groups cannot copy, convey or use the information on the form. The form must be promptly delivered to either the Secretary of State or the proper county clerk's office. The Secretary of State will send completed forms to the appropriate county clerk. Once the county clerk has accepted the form for filing, individuals or groups may make a public records request.
Where to Register: National Mail Voter Registration can be downloaded here OR In person at the County Clerk's Office.
Voter Identification Requirements: New Mexico voters must provide identification at the polling place in order to vote. Acceptable forms of physical identification include the following:
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an original or copy of a current and valid photo identification with or without an address, the address of which is not required to match the voter's certificate of registration or a voter identification card; or
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an original or copy of a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, student identification card or other government document, including identification issued by an Indian nation, tribe or pueblo, that shows the name and address of the person, the address of which is not required to match the voter's certificate of registration.
Acceptable forms of verbal identification include:
- a verbal or written statement by the voter of the voter's name, year of birth, and registered address; provided, however, that the statement of the voter's name need not contain the voter's middle initial or suffix.
A first time registrant who submits the registration by mail must provide physical identification. If a voter fails to provide the required voter identification, the voter shall be allowed to vote on a provisional ballot.
A first time registrant who submits the registration by mail must provide physical identification. If a voter fails to provide the required voter identification, the voter shall be allowed to vote on a provisional ballot.
Early Voting: Begins on October 16, 2012 and ends October 30, 2012 at locations other than the County Clerk's office. Call the County Clerk for locations. Voters may go to their County Clerk's office beginning October 9, 2012 and vote on either a paper ballot or electronic voting machine.
Absentee voting:Click here (PDF) to download an application for Absent Voter Ballot on the New Mexico Secretary of State's website. Requests must be submitted by October 26, 2012 before the election. They must be returned to the county clerk or voter's precinct by 7:00 pm on Election Day in order to be counted.
Polling Hours: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
State Election officials:
New Mexico Secretary of State
(505) 827-3600 or (800) 477-3632
http://www.sos.state.nm.us/sos-elections.html
NEW YORK
Voter Registration Deadline: General Election in person: TBA, Registration forms must be post-marked no later than October 12, 2012 before an election, and received no later than October 17, 2012.
Where to Register: Click here (PDF) to download a Voter Registration Application.
Voter Suppression Legislation: Assembly 3373; In original committee.
Voter Identification Requirements: Before voting, an officer will ask the voter to sign his or her name on the back of the registration poll record for that voter. Two poll officials will then compare the signature with the signature on the registration poll record to ensure that the person attempting to vote is the same as the person registered. If the signatures match, the person will be permitted to vote. A voter need not show photo identification to vote.
If a voter's name appears in the computer-generated registration list with a notation indicating that the voter's identity was not yet verified as required by law, the voter will be able to vote if he or she shows one of the following:
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A driver's license or department of motor vehicles non-driver photo ID card or other current and valid photo identification;
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A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter.
Early Voting: In-person absentee voting begins as soon as the ballots are available, at least 32 days before the election. You can vote at the County Board of Elections office in your county, and can vote in-person until the day before Election Day
Voting Absentee: Voters can only vote absentee under the following circumstances: Unavoidable absence due to employment, business, or studies; Unavoidable absence due to employment, business, or studies of a spouse or child; Vacation; Illness or physical disability, whether permanent or temporary; Hospitalization at Veterans Administrative Hospital; or Qualified Inmate Voter or jailed voter awaiting a grand jury hearing or trial. Click here for the Absentee Voting Application.
Polling Hours: 6:00 am- 9:00 pm
State Election Office:
New York State Division of Elections
http://www.elections.state.ny.us/
Phone: 518-473-5086
NORTH CAROLINA
Voter Registration Deadline: October 12, 2012
If submitted in person, the registration application must be received no later than 5:00 P.M. on the twenty-fifth day before the election.
Voter Registration Drive: Voter registration services may also be offered by any individual, group or organization that desires to conduct a voter registration drive. No special training or permission is needed to conduct a voter registration drive; however, organizers should follow the guidelines set out in our Voter Registration Drives: A Citizen's Guide brochure. County boards of elections can provide voter registration supplies to drive organizers in limited quantities (less than 1000 blank forms). If a larger quantity of forms is needed, organizers may request the forms directly from the State Board of Elections. Applications collected at voter registration drives must be delivered to the appropriate county board of elections by the voter registration deadline.
Where to Register: Where to Register: Access printable voter registration application here
Voter Suppression Legislation: House Bill 351; Vetoed by Governor on 6/23/2011
Voter Identification Requirements: There are no identification requirements to vote in North Carolina for voters who registered in person. If the voter cannot provide either a driver's license or a social security number, the State Board of Elections will assign a unique voter identification number.
Early Voting: North Carolina has a "one-stop voting" process whereby registered voters may vote early, or non-registered individuals may both register and vote. The one-stop voting period begins in most places on the third Thursday before an election and ends the Saturday prior to the election. To use this process, a new registrant must go to a one-stop voting site in his or her county of residence during the one-stop voting period, fill out a voter registration application, and provide proof of residency by showing the elections official an appropriate form of identification with the citizen's current name and current address.
Voting Absentee: Any registered North Carolina voter can request an absentee ballot from his or her county board of elections prior to the last Tuesday before the election. A voter may request an application starting September 17, 2012. The voted ballot must be received in the county board of elections office by 5:00 pm on November 5, 2012 in order to be counted.
Polling Hours: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm; Click here to determine your polling place.
State Election Office:
North Carolina Board of Elections
http://www.sboe.state.nc.us/
Phone: 919-733-7173 or 866-522-4723
NORTH DAKOTA
Voter Registration Deadline: North Dakota has no voter registration. In order to vote, one must be a U.S. citizen, eighteen years of age or older, a resident of North Dakota, and a resident of the precinct in which he or she wishes to vote for at least 30 days.
Voter Identification Requirements: ID must show the address of the individual's residence. Acceptable forms are:
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Valid Driver's License or State ID
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Valid Federally Issued ID (passport or Agency ID card)
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Valid Tribal Government Issued Identification Card
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Valid Student Identification Card
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Valid United States Military Identification Card
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Utility bill dated 30 days prior to election day with name and residential address
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Change of address verification letter from the US Postal Service
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Those without one of the above forms of ID can vote if:
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An election poll worker is able to vouch for the voter's identity and residence.
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The voter completes a
Voter's Affidavit certifying, under oath, his or her identity and residency.
If a voter has never voted in their current precinct before, he or she will be challenged at the polls. This does not mean that the voter cannot vote, but he or she must sign an affidavit. Because there is no voter registration in North Dakota, this is how poll workers ensure that an individual not appearing on the rolls from previous elections is actually eligible to vote.
Early Voting: Early voting can always be done via absentee ballot.
Absentee Voting: Click here for Absentee/Mail ballot. Absentee ballots should be distributed at least 40 days before the election. Absentee ballots must be returned in person by Election Day, or postmarked by November 5, 2012 if mailed in.
Polling Hours: Click here to find your polling place and hours of operation.
State Elections Officials
North Dakota Secretary of State
Telephone: 701-328-4146
Toll Free: 800-352-0867 ext. 8-4146
https://vip.sos.nd.gov/
OHIO
Voter Registration Deadline: October 9, 2012
Voter Registration Drive: Click here (PDF) for information regarding Registration Drives in Ohio.
Where to register: Click here to register to vote online.
Voter Suppression Legislation: House Bill 159 (Failed); House Bill 194; Signed by 7/01/11. Click here for more information.
Voter Identification Requirements: If voting in person on Election Day, a voter must provide either:
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a current and valid photo identification issued by the State of Ohio or federal government which includes the voter's name, current address, and expiration date that has not passed (except that an Ohio driver's license or state ID card need not show the voter's current address so long as the voter has a current residential address printed in the official poll list and provides the last four digits of the driver's license or state ID card number); or
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a military identification ; or
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an original or copy of a current utility bill (including cell phone bill); or
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an original or copy of a current bank statement; or
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an original or copy of a current paycheck; or
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an original or copy of a current government check; or
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an original or copy of a current other government document that shows the voter's name and current address, including from a public college or university (notices of election and notices of voter registration sent by a board of elections are specifically excluded as an acceptable form of identification).
For voter identification purposes, "current" means the document was issued on a date within one year immediately preceding the date of the election, or has an expiration date which has not passed as of the date of the election.
Voters who do not provide one of these documents will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot.
Early Voting: Any voter may vote in person as early as 35 days before the election up until 6 p.m. the Friday before the election. Contact your county board of elections for specific information on where you can vote early and the hours of operation.
Voting Absentee: Any qualified Ohio voter may request and vote an absentee ballot without stating a reason. Voters who want to vote absentee by mail must apply to the board of elections in the county where they are registered to vote. You can apply to vote absentee by mail. Your application must be received by the board of elections by noon on the Saturday before the election.
Polling Hours: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm; Find your polling location here
State Election Office:
Ohio Secretary of State
http://www.sos.state.oh.us/
Phone: (614) 466-2655 or (877) 767-6446
OKLAHOMA
Voter Registration Deadline: Voter registration ends October 12, 2012.
Where to Register: Click here to your County or State Election Board.
Voter Identification Requirements: When you register to vote you will receive a Voter ID card from the election official. You will need to bring this card with you when you go to vote.
If you lost or misplaced your Voter ID card, you can get a new one by contacting your County Elections Official. Cards are not issued during the 24 days before the election.
Early Voting: Click here for early voting locations and times.
Voting Absentee: Anyone can request an absentee ballot, with or without a reason. Download (PDF) or send in an absentee form or write a letter to your County Elections Official and including your name, date of birth, address at which you are registered, the election for which you are requesting a ballot, mailing address, and signature. If your absentee ballot is mailed to you, you must return it to the County Election Board by mail. Deadline for General Election: Wednesday, October 31, 5:00 pm
Polling Hours: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm; Find your polling location here
State Election Officials
Oklahoma Secretary of State
Telephone: 405-521-2391
http://www.ok.gov/elections/
OREGON
Voter Registration Deadline: 2012 General Election: 8:00 pm October 16, 2012.
Where to Register: Click here to access voter registration card. Oregon also has ONLINE voter registration. Click here to directly register online.
Voter Identification Requirements: If you are a registered voter, your ballot will be automatically sent to you. You can call 1-866-ORE-VOTES or contact the State Elections Office to make sure your vote was received. You will need to sign the return envelope of your ballot. Your signature will be matched with your voter registration card to verify your identity.
Early Voting: Since Oregon conducts all its elections by mail, "early voting" is permitted in the sense that a voter can return the ballot by mail earlier than Election Day, provided that the ballot is received by 8:00 pm on Election Day.
Voting Absentee: You may apply for absentee voter status if you live out of state or if you know that you will be absent for the election (i.e., you will be out of town prior to the election and are putting your mail on hold.) Absentee ballots are available 45 days before the election. To apply for absentee voter status: obtain an absentee ballot request form contact the State Elections Division at (866) 673-VOTE).
Polling Hours: If you are a registered voter, a ballot will automatically be mailed to you for each election that you are eligible to vote in. Each County Elections Office also has voting booths. The booths accommodate any voters who would prefer to vote at a polling place, as well as voters with special needs. Click here to find locations to drop off a completed ballot.
State Elections Officials
Secretary of State
141 Salem Capitol
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-986-1518 or 1-866-673-8683
Fax: 503-373-7414
Email: elections-division@sosinet.sos.state.or.us
http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/
PENNSYLVANIA
Voter Registration Deadline: General Election: October 9, 2012
Voter Registration Drive: Contact your county clerk for a bulk amount of voter registration forms and return completed forms to the county office.
Where to Register: Persons may register to vote by downloading the registration form from the Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation website.
Voter Suppression Legislation: House Bill 934; Signed on 3/14/2012.
*Due to the passage Pennsylvania House Bill 934 Pennsylvania voters are now REQUIRED to present photo identification (ID) before voting at the polls in November.
Voter Identification Requirements: A voter must show a document that includes (1) the name of the individual that substantially conforms to the name of the individual in the register, (2) a photograph of the individual, and (3) it must include an expiration date and that date must not be expired providing for two exceptions (a) a document issued by the Dept. of Transportation that is not more than twelve months past the expiration date is acceptable, and (b) documents for the Armed Forces of the United States or their reserve components.
Explicitly, these include:
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A Pennsylvania Driver's License or Identification Card issued by the Department of Transportation;
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A valid Identification Card issued by any other agency of the Commonwealth;
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A valid Identification Card issued by the United States Government;
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A valid United States Passport;
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A valid Student Identification Card;
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A valid Employee Identification Card; or
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A valid Armed Forces of the United States Identification Card.
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Photo ID cards issued by a Pennsylvania care facility, including long-tern care facilities, assisted living residents or personal care homes.
If no identification is brought to the polls the elector shall cast a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot must be submitted in the correct precinct and must have a signature that matches the registration form to be held as genuine.
Early Voting: None.
Voting Absentee: Click here to view the requirements for submitting an absentee ballot.
Polling Hours: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm; Click here to find your polling location.
State Election Office:
Bureau of Commissions, Elections, and Legislation
http://www.votespa.com/portal/server.pt/community/home/13514
Phone: 717-787-5280 or 1-877-868-3772
RHODE ISLAND
Voter Registration Deadline: October 7, 2012
Voter Registration Drive: For information on registration drives in Middleton, click here
Where to Register: Download (PDF) a voter registration form.
Voter Suppression Legislation: Senate Bill 400/House Bill 5680; Signed on 7/2/2011
Voter Identification Requirements: If you are a first time voter in Rhode Island who registered by mail and you did not provide proper documentation of identification when you registered to vote, you will need to show proper documentation of identification when you vote.
Early Voting: None.
Voting Absentee: Click here to see if you qualify for an Absentee/Mail in Ballot. Download Mail in Ballot form here(PDF).
Polling Hours: Click here to find out when polls open in your precinct. All polls 8:00 pm.
State Election Office:
Rhode Island Board of Elections
http://www.elections.ri.gov/voting/
Phone: 401 222 2345
