Same-Day Voter Registration
As of 2020, a total of 22 states plus Washington, D.C. have enacted same-day registration. This allows any qualified resident of the state to go register and cast their ballot on the same day. It is also an opportunity for eligible voters to correct an outdated voter registration record and cast a ballot that will be counted.
The states that offer same-day registration are:
- California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
- **New Mexico & North Carolina has an option for same-day registration but only until October 31st.
- ***Rhode Island allows same-day registration but only to vote for president and vice president.
Click here to make a plan to vote.
How does it work?
- Bring your ID: every state that allows prospective voters to register and vote on Election Day requires you to present documentation to verify their identity. Some states require a photo ID (like a driver’s license or a passport) and others will accept a non-photo ID. Make sure to check with your local state or county election board for your region’s requirements.
- Provide proof of residency: In a traditional (pre-Election Day) registration, election officials can send mail to the prospective voter to verify their residence before processing the voter’s registration. Since that is not possible with same-day registration, a prospective voter must present proof of residency at the time of registration or soon after. Every state will accept a current driver’s license or ID card but some will accept a paycheck or utility bill as well. Make sure to check your region’s requirements.
To have a safe and secure election, your polling location may need you to take some other steps after registering. Here are some common security measures you may encounter:
- Asking prospective voters to provide proof of identity and residency (like a valid photo or non-photo ID).
- Casting of provisional ballots. Until you provide a valid ID or until your application is fully checked, many states will count your ballot as provisional.
- Signing an oath or sworn affidavit. To prevent voter fraud, several states require same-day registrants to sign an affidavit or swear an oath that they are eligible to vote and have not already voted in the election.
- In-person registration. If you want to complete same-day registration you must vote in-person.
- Being sent non-forwardable mailings. You may receive mail to your residence to confirm your address and your voter information. If it is returned as non-deliverable or is not returned signed by the voter, a second notice is sent.
Same-day registration is a great option for voters who are excited to vote in the election but have not had a chance to register yet. If you live in one of the above states, it is not too late! Wear a mask, make a plan to vote, and vote safely.
Click here for access to voter guides in multiple languages.
To help, we’ve created translated resources to make sure our communities know their rights. This includes several videos and language resource pages:
- English
- 選舉資料 (繁) (Chinese, Traditional)
- 选举资料 (简) (Chinese, Simplified)
- THÔNG TIN BẦU CỬ (Vietnamese)
- 투표와 관련된 정보 (Korean)
- IMPORMASYON SA PAGBOTO (Tagalog)
Click here to see videos in English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese on your voting rights.
