These States Allow Same-Day Voter Registration—See If Yours Is on the List

Election Day is around the corner, and you might be kicking yourself right about now if you didnt register to vote. We get itlife gets in the way sometimes, or you might not have realized just how much is at stake until recently. But we have some good news for you: You might still be able to vote in the presidential election on Nov. 5. Yes, even if youre not currently registered.

In around two dozen states, you can register to vote on the same day that you cast your ballot. We spoke to a political science professor and dove into the details provided by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), an organization that represents the legislatures in states, territories and commonwealths of the United States, to get the details. Read on to find out if you live in a state that allows same-day voter registrationand what you need to do to qualify.

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Which states allow same-day voter registration?

According to the NCSL, 23 states plus Washington, D.C., allow same-day registration. And same-day voter registration does exactly what its name implies: It “allows any qualified resident of the state to register to vote and cast a ballot at the same time,” per the NCSL.

Here’s the full list of states that permit same-day voter registration:

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• District of Columbia

• Hawaii

• Idaho

• Illinois

• Iowa

• Maine

• Maryland

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Montana

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• New Mexico

• New York

• North Dakota

• Utah

• Vermont

• Virginia

• Washington

• Wisconsin

• Wyoming

There are actually a few additional states with same-day registration, but they’re not included in the NCSL’s list above because they have certain restrictions. In Alaska and Rhode Island, for example, your same-day registration only allows you to vote for the president and vice president. And in Rhode Island, you have to do your same-day registration at the office of the Board of Canvassers instead of a polling site.

Finally, North Dakota is in a unique position because it does not have samd-day voter registration, per se. “At the polls on Election Day, eligible citizens may present a valid form of identificationwhich includes their legal name, current residential address in North Dakota and date of birth. Upon presenting their identification, they receive a ballot to vote,” states the NCSL.

How does same-day voter registration work?

To register on the same day you vote, regardless of your political affiliation, you need to work with local election officials in person. Once you get to the election site, you’ll have to verify your identity, sign the necessary paperwork and cast your vote before the polls close. And yes, you “can cast a ballot right then and there,” says Anthony Chergosky, PhD, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Just be aware, he adds, that state laws vary in terms of the documents that people must present to register to vote. Some states even require oaths and sworn affidavits to confirm that you are eligible and have not already voted in the same election.

What do you need to bring to the polls to register?

The most important thing you need to register as a same-day voter is proof of identity and residency. The NCSL lists all requirements on its website, but “proof” generally includes a current driver’s license or ID card. Depending on the state, your ID may need a photo. Some states also allow documents like a paycheck or utility bill with an address. “A few states also permit an already-registered voter to vouch for the residency of an Election Day registrant,” according to the NCSL.

But waityou’re not done yet! To make sure you’re truly good to go, check your state’s official government website before heading to the polls. There, you can find specifics on what other kind of documents you may need to bring with you.

And one more FYI: In some states, same-day voting is subject to something called a provisional ballot. That means you may be allowed to cast a vote, but it won’t officially count until you provide all the requested documentation. The bottom line? Make sure you show up prepared.

How do you make sure your vote is counted?

If you have any doubt that your same-day vote may not have counted, you can reach out to your local clerk in your municipality to follow up. They are in the best position to help you figure out the status of your vote and answer any other questions, Chergosky says.

About the expert Anthony Chergosky, PhD, is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. As a political analyst, his research focuses on American politics and elections.

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Sources:

• Anthony Chergosky, PhD, assistant professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; email interview, Oct. 30, 2024
• NCSL: “Same-Day Voter Registration”

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