How to Vote Nationwide & The Importance of Voting
Posted by Onassis Krown on
Important Voting Information
A total of 35 states have laws requesting or requiring voters to show some form of identification at the polls. Scroll over the map below for state-by-state details.
Note: On April 1, 2022, the Arkansas Supreme Court granted an emergency stay in the lawsuit against Act 249, which passed in 2021 and made changes to Arkansas's voter ID law, allowing the law to go into effect. The case is pending before the state Supreme Court.
The remaining 15 states and D.C. use other methods to verify the identity of voters. Most frequently, other identifying information provided at the polling place, such as a signature, is checked against information on file. See NCSL’s Voter Verification Without ID Documents.
Please note that the information contained on this page contains information on the current, in-effect laws. For voter ID history, see NCSL's Voter ID Chronology.
Proponents see increasing requirements for identification as a way to prevent in-person voter impersonation and increase public confidence in the election process. Opponents say there is little fraud of this kind, and the burden on voters unduly restricts the right to vote and imposes unnecessary costs and administrative burdens on elections administrators. See State-by-State In-Effect Voter ID Requirements (Table Two, far below) for citations and details on what IDs are accepted and what happens when a voter does not have ID.
Voter Identification Laws in Effect in 2022
U.S interactive map
Hover a state to learn more about voter ID laws.
Variations in Voter Identification Laws
Voter ID laws can be categorized in two ways. First, the laws can be sorted by whether the state asks for a photo ID or whether it accepts IDs without a photo as well. Second, the laws can be divided by what actions are available for voters who do not have ID. These two categorization schemes can and do overlap.
Photo vs. non-photo identification: Some states request or require voters to show an identification document that has a photo on it, such as a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, military ID, tribal ID, and many other forms of ID. Other states accept non-photo identification such as a bank statement with name and address or other document that does not necessarily have a photo. Using this categorization for laws that are in effect as of October 2022, 18 states ask for a photo ID and 17 states also accept non-photo IDs. (To see this difference, look at the columns in Table One.)
Procedures for when a voter does not have identification: If a voter fails to show the ID that is asked for by law, states provide alternatives. These laws fit two categories, non-strict and strict. (To see this difference, look at the rows in Table One.)
- Non-strict: At least some voters without acceptable identification have an option to cast a ballot that will be counted without further action on the part of the voter. For instance, a voter may sign an affidavit of identity, or poll workers may be permitted to vouch for the voter. In some of the “non-strict” states (Colorado, Florida, Montana, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont), voters who do not show required identification may vote on a provisional ballot. After the close of Election Day, election officials will determine (via a signature check or other verification) whether the voter was eligible and registered, and therefore whether the provisional ballot should be counted. No action on the part of the voter is required. In New Hampshire, election officials will send a letter to anyone who signed a challenged voter affidavit because they did not show an ID, and these voters must return the mailing, confirming that they are indeed in residence as indicated on the affidavit.
- Strict: Voters without acceptable identification must vote on a provisional ballot and also take additional steps after Election Day for it to be counted. For instance, the voter may be required to return to an election office within a few days after the election and present an acceptable ID to have the provisional ballot counted. If the voter does not come back to show ID, the provisional ballot is not counted.
See State-by-State Details on In-Effect Voter ID Requirements (Table 2, far below) for specifics.
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Photo ID |
Non-Photo ID |
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Strict |
Arkansas Georgia Indiana Missouri Wisconsin [5] |
Arizona North Dakota [6] Wyoming[3] |
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Non-Strict |
Alabama[1] Montana South Dakota Texas |
Alaska Colorado Hawaii Iowa Pennsylvania Utah Virginia Washington West Virginia
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[1] Some might call Alabama’s law a strict photo identification law, because voters who don’t show a photo ID will generally be asked to cast a provisional ballot and then must bring the required ID to an election office by 5 p.m. on Friday after Election Day. However, there is an alternative: two election officials can sign sworn statements saying they know the voter.
[2] Some prefer to call Oklahoma a photo voter ID state, because most voters will show a photo ID before voting. However, Oklahoma law also permits a non-photo voter registration card issued by the appropriate county elections board to serve as proof of identity in lieu of photo ID.
[3]Some might call Wyoming's law a strict photo ID state, because most voters will show a photo ID before voting. However, until December 31, 2029, Wyoming will accept Medicare and Medicaid identification cards as valid forms of ID for voting, neither of which contain a photo.
[4] South Carolina has a photo ID requirement, but this requirement is waived in select circumstances. See details in Table 2, below.
[5] Wisconsin enacted in 2011 a strict photo voter ID law. It has been implemented, even as legal challenges have proceeded through the courts. In July 2016 a federal court ruled that the law was unconstitutional, and that an alternative to showing an ID, such as signing an affidavit attesting to identity, must be permitted. Then in August 2016 an appeals court ruled that the law could be implemented as long as the state keeps its pledge to provide temporary free IDs to those in need, and to publicize the law. Until the state says otherwise, NCSL will leave Wisconsin in the "strict photo voter ID" category.
[6]North Dakota enacted a voter ID law in 2013 and amended this law in 2015, then once again in 2017. The 2015 law was challenged in 2016 and the federal judge issued a temporary order that some sort of “fail-safe,” like an affidavit, be an option until such time as the court makes an official ruling on the challenge. This temporary order changed North Dakota to a non-strict state in 2016. In 2017, HB 1369 was enacted allowing voters who do not present an ID at the polls to cast a ballot that is set aside until the voter presents valid identification. This moved North Dakota once again into the strict non-photo ID category. There are some alternative options for voters without identification in special categories, though. See Table 2 below for details.
[7] North Carolina enacted a photo voter ID law in 2018; it was struck down in 2021 and an appeal is likely.
News
- In 2022, Missouri enacted HB 1878, which established a photo ID requirement and removes the sworn affidavit as an alternative to presenting a photo ID. This moves Missouri from non-strict non-photo ID to strict photo ID.
- In 2021, Wyoming enacted HB 0075, which is the first voter ID law in the state.
- In 2021, Montana enacted SB 169, which requires voters without a state, military, tribal ID, or passport to provide two forms of alternative ID, one of which must include a photo. This bill also adds concealed carry permits to the list of accepted voter IDs.
- In 2021 Arkansas enacted HB 1112, which removes the sworn affidavit as an alternative to presenting a photo ID. This moves Arkansas from non-strict to strict photo ID. Arkansas also passed HB 1244, which removes the exemption from showing a photo ID for those with sincere religious beliefs preventing them from taking a photograph.
- In March 2019 North Carolina passed legislation that will delay the implementation of their new voter ID provisions until 2020. The law, however, was struck down in 2021, though an appeal is likely.
- In November 2018 voters in two states, Arkansas and North Carolina, approved ballot measures to amend the state constitution to require photo voter identification. North Carolina's law was struck down in 2021, though an appeal is likely.
- On May 5, 2017 Iowa enacted HB 516, which establishes a non-strict non-photo ID requirement. It establishes five types of ID that are accepted (see Table 2 below for details) which all include a photo, but also includes a provision that requires the Secretary of State’s Office to provide existing active registered voters that do not have one of the valid types of ID with voter identification cards. Going forward, county auditors will provide newly registered voters who do not have a valid ID with voter identification cards.
- On April 24, 2017 North Dakota enacted HB 1369, putting it once again into the strict non-photo ID category. The law permits those who do not bring ID to the polls to cast a ballot that is “set aside” until the voter presents valid ID. Valid ID must be presented before the Canvass, six days after the election. The bill also allows voters to present alternative documents, such as utility bills or bank statements, if the ID presented does not contain all required information. And, voters in special categories such as voters who live in long-term care facilities, voters with disabilities, and military voters may provide alternative forms of identification. In September 2018, the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals put the district court order on hold. And, in October on 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in a challenge to the North Dakota voter identification law. The 2017 strict non-photo ID requirement is in place for the 2018 midterm election.
- On March 24, 2017, Arkansas enacted HB 1047, which reinstituted a non-strict, photo voter ID requirement that goes into effect 90 days after passage. A judge had blocked the implementation of the law, but in May, the Arkansas Supreme Court stayed the ruling and allowed the law to be in effect while they considered the case. In October 2018, the Supreme Court further ruled that the law will remain in effect during the 2018 midterm election.
- On March 24, 2017, Idaho enacted a bill adding a concealed carry weapon license as a form of acceptable ID.
- On April 1, 2016, West Virginia enacted HB 4013, which creates a non-strict, non-photo voter ID requirement that goes into effect in 2018. The legislation also included the establishment of automatic voter registration.
- In 2013 North Carolina passed a strict ID requirement, which was amended by the legislature in 2015 to fall into the non-strict category. Even so, the law was struck down by a federal court in July 2016, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case in May 2017. For now, North Carolina does not require voters to show an identification document at the polls.
- In July 2016 a federal court ruled that Wisconsin’s strict voter ID law was unconstitutional, and that an alternative to showing an ID, such as signing an affidavit attesting to identity, must be permitted. Then in August 2016 an appeals court ruled that the law could be implemented as long as the state keeps its pledge to provide temporary free IDs to those in need, and to publicize the law. Until the state says otherwise, NCSL will leave Wisconsin in the "strict photo voter ID" category.
First Time Voters
In addition to the laws governing what identification all voters must show at the polls, first time voters may face additional requirements. The federal Help America Vote Act (section 15483(b)(2)(A)) mandates that all states require identification from first-time voters who register to vote by mail and have not provided verification of their identification at the time of registration. The act lists a "current and valid photo identification" or "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” as acceptable forms of ID.
Exceptions to Voter Identification Requirements
Most states with strict voter identification requirements make some exceptions. These exceptions may include people who:
- Have religious objections to being photographed (Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin)
- Are indigent (Indiana, Tennessee)
- “Have a reasonable impediment” to getting an ID (South Carolina)
- Do not have an ID as a result of a recent natural disaster (Texas)
- People who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking and have a "confidential listing" (Wisconsin)
Additionally, voter ID requirements generally apply to in-person voting, not to absentee ballots or mailed ballots.
All voters, regardless of the type of verification required by the states, are subject to perjury charges if they vote under false pretenses.
PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below and throughout this webpage should be used for general informational purposes and not as a legal reference. If you have questions regarding the voter ID requirements in your state, please contact your local election administrator.
The box allows you to conduct a full text search or type the state name.
| State | Acceptable Forms of ID | Voters Without ID |
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§17-9-30
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Vote a provisional ballot or vote a regular ballot if s/he is identified by two election officials as an eligible voter on the poll list, and both election workers sign a sworn affidavit so stating. If voting a provisional ballot, the voter has until 5:00PM on the Friday after the election to bring the required ID |
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§15.15.225 |
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An election official may waive the identification requirement if the election official knows the identity of the voter. A voter who cannot exhibit a required form of identification shall be allowed to vote a questioned ballot. |
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§16-579(A)
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An elector who does not provide the required identification shall receive a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are counted only if the elector provides identification to the county recorder by 5 p.m. on the fifth business day after a general election that includes an election for federal office, or by 5 p.m. on the third business day after any other election. |
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Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 51, § 13; Arkansas Code § 7-1-101 § 7-5-201 § 7-5-305 § 7-5-308 § 7-5-324 § 7-5-409 § 7-5-412
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A voter shall verify registration by presenting a document or identification card that:
Documents and identification cards that comply with the requirements include without limitation:
A document or identification card may be presented in a digital format on an electronic device if it complies with other requirements and has been approved or issues by the U.S., the state of Arkansas or an accredited post-secondary educational institution. |
A voter who did not present a required document or identification card may cast a provisional ballot. The ballot will be counted only if the voter presents acceptable identification to the county clerk or election board by noon the Monday following the election.
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§1-1-104(19.5) and 1-7-110 NOTE: Since the passage of HB 1303 in 2013, most CO voters now vote by mail. However, at least one location is open on Election Day for in-person voting, and the ID requirement spelled out here applies to those voters. |
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An eligible elector who is unable to produce identification may cast a provisional ballot. The designated election official shall attempt to verify that an elector who cast a provisional ballot is eligible to vote. The designated election official or designee shall complete the preliminary verification of the elector's eligibility to vote before the ballot is counted. (§1-8.5-105) |
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§9-261 |
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Elector shall, on a form prescribed by the secretary of the state, write the elector's residential address and date of birth, print the elector's name and sign a statement under penalty of false statement that the elector is the elector whose name appears on the official checklist. |
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Tit. 15, §4937 |
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In the event the voter does not have proof of identity with them, he or she shall sign an affidavit of affirmation that he or she is the person listed on the election district record. |
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§101.043 |
One of the following current and valid picture identifications:
If the picture identification does not contain the signature of the elector, an additional identification that provides the elector’s signature shall be required. |
If the elector fails to furnish the required picture identification with signature as required, the elector shall be allowed to vote a provisional ballot. The canvassing board shall determine the validity of the ballot by determining whether the elector is entitled to vote at the precinct where the ballot was cast and that the elector had not already cast a ballot in the election. Florida uses signature matching: the voter signs the provisional ballot envelope. That signature is compared to the signature in the voter registration records. If they match, the ballot is counted.
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§21-2-417 |
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A voter without one of the acceptable forms of photo identification can vote on a provisional ballot. He or she will have up to three days after the election to present appropriate photo identification at the county registrar's office in order for the provisional ballot to be counted.
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§11-136 |
Acceptable types of ID are not specified by law. Hawaii's office of elections provides this information: "Forms of acceptable identification include a valid photo ID (Drivers License, State ID, etc), a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government issued document that shows your name and address." |
If the voter has no identification, the voter will be asked to recite his/her date of birth and residence address to corroborate the information provided in the poll book. |
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§34-1106(2), 34-1113, 34-1114 |
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A voter may complete an affidavit in lieu of the personal identification. The affidavit shall be on a form prescribed by the secretary of state and shall require the voter to provide the voter's name and address. The voter shall sign the affidavit. Any person who knowingly provides false, erroneous or inaccurate information on such affidavit shall be guilty of a felony. |
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§3-5-2-40.5, 3-10-1-7.2 and 3-11-8-25.1 |
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Voters who are unable or decline to produce proof of identification may vote a provisional ballot. The ballot is counted only if (1) the voter returns to the election board by noon on the Monday after the election and: (A) produces proof of identification; or (B) executes an affidavit stating that the voter cannot obtain proof of identification, because the voter: (i) is indigent; or (ii) has a religious objection to being photographed; and (2) the voter has not been challenged or required to vote a provisional ballot for any other reason. |
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Iowa Code §49.78, §48A.7A, §48A.10A, §49.81
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Note: The Secretary of State’s Office is required to provide a voter identification card to all active registered voters who do not have one of the five forms of identification at the time of passage of the bill (HB 516 in 2017). Going forward, county auditors will be required to issue voter identification cards to newly registered voters who do not possess a valid form of ID, as prescribed by the Secretary of State’s Office.
In 2018, voters will be asked for ID and anyone who does not have necessary ID will be asked to sign an oath verifying their identity, and will be allowed to cast a regular ballot.
In 2019, voters without the necessary ID will be offered a provisional ballot and can provide ID up until the time of the county canvass of votes (Monday after election day). |
A person who is registered to vote but is unable to present a form of identification listed may present any of the following: a. A current voter identification card that contains the voter identification number if the voter identification card is signed before the voter presents the card to the election official. b. Other forms of identification sufficient to establish identity and residence dates, or describe terms of residency current to, within forty-five days prior to presentation: (a) Residential lease. (b) Property tax statement. (c) Utility bill. (d) Bank statement. (e) Paycheck. (f) Government check. (g) Other government document.
A person who is registered to vote but is unable to present a form of identification listed above, may establish identity and residency in the precinct by written oath of a person who is also registered to vote in the precinct. The attesting registered voter’s oath shall attest to the stated identity of the person wishing to vote and that the person is a current resident of the precinct. The oath must be signed by the attesting registered voter in the presence of the appropriate precinct election official. A registered voter who has signed two oaths on election day attesting to a person’s identity and residency as provided in this subsection is prohibited from signing any further oaths as provided in this subsection on that day.
If a voter cannot meet any of the above options, the voter may cast a provisional ballot. |
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§25-2908, 25-1122, 25-3002, and 8-1324(g)(2) |
The following forms of identification are valid if they contain the name and photograph of the voter and have not expired. Expired documents are valid if the bearer is aged 65 or older.
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A voter who is unable or refuses to provide current and valid identification may vote a provisional ballot. |
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§117.227 |
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When the officers of an election disagree as to the qualifications of a voter or if his right to vote is disputed by a challenger, the voter shall sign a written oath as to his qualifications before he is permitted to vote. |
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§18:562 |
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If the applicant does not have identification, s/he shall sign an affidavit to that effect before the commissioners, and the applicant shall provide further identification by presenting his current registration certificate, giving his date of birth or providing other information stated in the precinct register that is requested by the commissioners. However, an applicant that is allowed to vote without the picture identification required by this Paragraph is subject to challenge as provided in R.S. 18:565. |
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§168.523 |
A voter who does not possess either of the above may show any of the following, as long as they are current:
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An individual who does not possess, or did not bring to the polls, photo ID, may sign an affidavit and vote a regular ballot. |
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§23-15-563 |
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An individual without ID can cast an affidavit ballot which will be counted if the individual returns to the appropriate circuit clerk within five days after the election and shows government-issued photo ID. Voters with a religious objection to being photographed may vote an affidavit ballot, which will be counted if the voter returns to the appropriate circuit clerk within five days after the election and executes an affidavit that the religious exemption applies. |
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§115-427 |
*If the driver or non-driver license has expired after the most recent general election, it is an acceptable form of voter ID. |
If ID is not presented, the voter votes on a provisional ballot and must return that day before 7 p.m. to show ID. A provisional ballot is also counted if the signature on a voter's provisional ballot envelope is determined by a local election authority to match the signature on the voter's registration record. |
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§13-13-114 |
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If the identification presented is insufficient to verify the elector's identity and eligibility to vote or if the elector's name does not appear in the precinct register, the elector may sign the precinct register and cast a provisional ballot. Montana uses signature verification to verify the eligibility of provisional ballots. If the voter's signature on the provisional ballot affirmation matches the signature on the voter's registration record, the ballot is counted. (§13-15-107(2))
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§659:13
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A person’s identity may be verified by a moderator or supervisor of the checklist or the town or city clerk, but if any person authorized to challenge a voter under RSA 659:27 objects to such verification, the voter shall be required to execute a challenged voter affidavit.
If a voter does not have a valid photo identification, the ballot clerk shall inform the voter that he or she may execute a challenged voter affidavit. Unless the voter has a religious objection to having his or her photo taken, the moderator will take his or her photo and affix it to the affidavit.The voter may then cast a regular ballot.
By Jan. 10 in odd numbered years or within 90 days after any other election, the secretary of state is required to mail a nonforwardable letter to each voter who executed a challenged voter affidavit, notifying the person that a person who did not present valid photo identification voted using his or her name and address and instruct the person to return the letter within 90 days with a written confirmation that the person voted or to contact the attorney general immediately if he or she did not vote. Any such letters returned as undeliverable must be turned over to the attorney general, who shall investigate for voter fraud. Notice from any voter receiving such a letter that s/he did not vote is also forwarded to the attorney general for investigation. The secretary must also turn over to the attorney general a list of all voters who fail to respond to the letter to confirm that they voted. See the New Hampshire Secretary of State's explanation for details. |
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§ 163A‑1145.1 NOTE: Implementation was to begin in 2020, though the law was struck down in 2021. An appeal is likely.
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NOTE: Implementation was to begin in 2020, though the law was struck down in 2021. An appeal is likely.
Any of the following that is valid and unexpired, or has been expired for one year or less and contain a photo:
Any of the following, regardless of whether the ID contains an expiration or issuance date (with photo):
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If a registered voter cannot produce the required ID, a provisional ballot is required. It is counted only if the voter brings an acceptable ID to the county board of elections no later than the day before the canvass. There are exceptions for a religious objection, a reasonable impediment, or natural disaster. In this case the voter has to fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration Form and affidavit. These are reviewed by the county board of elections and the provisional ballot is counted unless the county board has grounds to believe the affidavit is false. Reasonable impediments include: inability to obtain photo identification due to lack of transportation, disability or illness, lack of birth certificate or other underlying documents required, work schedule or family responsibilities; lost or stolen photo identification; photo identification applied for but not yet received by the registered voter voting in person; or other reasonable impediment. If the registered voter checks the "other reasonable impediment" box, a further brief written identification of the reasonable impediment shall be required, including the option to indicate that State or federal law prohibits listing the impediment. |
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§16.1-05-07 |
Identification must provide:
A valid form of identification is:
If an individual’s valid form of ID does not include the required information or the information is not current, the identification must be supplemented by one of the following that provides the missing or outdated information:
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If an individual is not able to show a valid form of identification but asserts qualifications as an elector in the precinct in which the individual desires to vote, the individual may mark a ballot that must be securely set aside in a sealed envelope designed by the secretary of state. After the ballot is set aside, the individual may show a valid form of identification to either a polling place election board member if the individual returns to the polling place before the polls close, or to an employee of the office of the election official responsible for the administration of the election before the meeting of the canvassing board occurring on the sixth day after the election. Each ballot set aside under this subsection must be presented to the members of the canvassing board for proper inclusion or exclusion from the tally.
The following forms of identification are valid for individuals living under special circumstances who do not possess a valid form of identification:
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§3503.16(B)(1)(a) and 3505.18(A)(1) |
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A voter who has but declines to provide identification may cast a provisional ballot upon providing a Social Security number or the last four digits of a Social Security number. A voter who has neither identification nor a Social Security number may execute an affidavit to that effect and vote a provisional ballot. A voter who declines to sign the affidavit may still vote a provisional ballot. Voters who cast a provisional ballot because they did not provide acceptable proof of identity must appear in person at the board of elections to provide such proof within the 10 days immediately following Election Day. (see the Ohio secretary of state's FAQ on provisional voting) |
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26 O.S. 7-114 |
"Proof of identity" shall mean a document that satisfies the following:
A voter registration card issued by the appropriate county elections board may serve as proof of identity without meeting all of the above requirements. |
A provisional ballot cast by a voter who declines or is unable to produce proof of identity shall only be considered verified and approved for counting if the voter's name, residence address, date of birth, and driver's license number or last four digits of Social Security number as provided on the affidavit match what is in the registration database. |
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§17-19-24.2 |
A valid (unexpired or expired within the last 6 months) document showing a photo of the person to whom it was issued, including:
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If the person claiming to be a registered and eligible voter is unable to provide proof of identity as required, the person shall be allowed to vote a provisional ballot pursuant to section 17-19-24.2. The local board shall determine the validity of the provisional ballot pursuant to section 17-19-24.3. Summary of section 17-19-24.3: The local board shall examine each provisional ballot application to determine if the signature matches the signature on the voter's registration. If the signatures match, the provisional ballot shall count. If the signatures do not match, the ballot shall not count and shall be rejected as illegal. |
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§7-13-710 |
Voters who have a reasonable impediment to obtaining photo ID may show a non-photo voter registration card in lieu of photo ID, sign an affidavit attesting to the impediment, and cast a provisional ballot. |
From the State Election Commission's web site: If you have a reasonable impediment to obtaining photo ID, you may vote a provisional ballot after showing your nonphoto voter registration card. A reasonable impediment is any valid reason, beyond your control, which created an obstacle to obtaining photo ID. Some examples include:
To vote under the reasonable impediment exception:
If you do NOT have photo ID and do NOT have a reasonable impediment to obtaining one, or you simply forgot to bring it with you to the polls, you may still vote a provisional ballot. However, for your vote to be counted, you must provide one of the photo IDs to the county election commission prior to certification of the election (usually Thursday or Friday after the election). |
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§12-18-6.1 and 6.2 |
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If a voter is not able to present a form of personal identification as required, the voter may complete an affidavit in lieu of the personal identification. The affidavit shall require the voter to provide his or her name and address. The voter shall sign the affidavit under penalty of perjury. |
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§2-7-112 (c)
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If a voter is unable to present the proper evidence of identification, then the voter will be entitled to vote by provisional ballot in the manner detailed in the bill. The provisional ballot will only be counted if the voter provides the proper evidence of identification to the administrator of elections or the administrator's designee by the close of business on the second business day after the election. However, "A voter who is indigent and unable to obtain proof of identification without payment of a fee or who has a religious objection to being photographed shall be required to execute an affidavit of identity on a form provided by the county election commission and then shall be allowed to vote." §2-7-112(f) |
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Election Code §63.001 et seq.
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With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than four years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. |
Voters who do not possess an acceptable form of photo ID and cannot obtain one of the forms of acceptable photo ID listed due to a reasonable impediment, may present a supporting form of ID and execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration, noting the voter’s reasonable impediment to obtaining an acceptable form of ID.
Supporting forms of ID that can be presented if the voter does not possess one of the forms of acceptable photo ID and cannot obtain one due to a reasonable impediment:
After presenting a supporting form of ID, the voter must execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
If a voter possesses an acceptable form of photo ID but does not have it at the polling place, the voter will still be permitted to vote provisionally. The voter will have six (6) days to present an acceptable form of photo identification to the county voter registrar or the voter’s ballot will be rejected.
Voters with a disability who do not have an acceptable form of photo ID may also apply with the county voter registrar for a permanent exemption.
Voters who have a consistent religious objection to being photographed and voters who do not present any form of acceptable photo identification as a result of certain natural disasters as declared by the President of the United States or the Texas Governor, may vote a provisional ballot, appear at the voter registrar’s office within six (6) calendar days after election day, and sign an affidavit swearing to the religious objection or natural disaster, in order for your ballot to be counted. |
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§20A-1-102(83), 20A-3-104
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OR
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The voter may cast a provisional ballot as provided by §20A-3-105.5 §20A-4-107 states that a county clerk may verify the identity and residence of a voter who fails to provide valid voter identification "through some other means."
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§24.2-643(B)
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Except for first time voters covered by HAVA, any voter who does not show one of the forms of ID specified shall be allowed to vote a regular ballot after signing a statement under penalty of perjury verifying their identity. A voter who does not show ID or sign a statement shall be offered a provisional ballot. |
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§29A.40.160(7) |
The county auditor shall require any person desiring to vote at a voting center to either sign a ballot declaration (generally in locations where ballots are scanned) or provide identification (generally in counties where voting is done electronically, although even in these counties the auditor can verify a voter's signature to a signature on record).
If identification is used it must be valid photo identification, such as:
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Any individual who desires to vote in person but cannot provide identification shall be issued a provisional ballot, which shall be accepted if the signature on the declaration matches the signature on the voter's registration record.
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§3-1-34
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OR
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If the person desiring to vote is unable to furnish a valid identifying document, or if the poll clerk determines that the proof of identification presented by the voter does not qualify as a valid identifying document, the person desiring to vote shall be permitted to cast a provisional ballot after executing an affidavit affirming his or her identity.
The provisional ballot is entitled to be counted once the election authority verifies the identity of the individual by comparing that individual’s signature to the current signature on file with the election authority and determines that the individual was otherwise eligible to cast a ballot at the polling place where the ballot was cast. |
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§5.02(6m) and 6.79(2)(a)
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All of the above must include a photo and a name that conforms to the poll list.
If the ID presented is not proof of residence, the elector shall also present proof of residence. |
An elector who appears to vote at a polling place and does not have statutory ID shall be offered the opportunity to vote a provisional ballot. An elector who votes a provisional ballot may furnish statutory ID to the election inspectors before the polls close or to the municipal clerk no later than 4pm on the Friday following Election Day. |
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§22-1-102, 22-2-119 and 22-15-105 |
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An elector who appears to vote at a polling place and does not have statutory ID shall be offered the opportunity to vote a provisional ballot. An elector who votes a provisional ballot must furnish statutory ID to the county clerk by the close of business on the day following the election. |
Additional Resources
- Articles from NCSL's elections newsletter, The Canvass:
Voter ID: Where Are We Going, Where Have We Been? (October 2021)
Voter ID: Where Are We Now? (March 2014)
Voter ID: Five Considerations (November/December 2012) - NCSL's Voter ID Chronology
- NCSL’s State Elections Legislation Database provides access to summaries on voter ID and all election legislation.
- The litigation database from Election Law@Moritz provides information about court cases related to elections, including voter ID.
- NCSL's Voter Verification Without ID Documents
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