Election

2016

14 states have new laws that could make it more difficult to vote this year. The you're in, one of them.

Have you experienced problems voting this year?

Let us know

[State officials prepare for an unusually chaotic Election Day]

How to vote in

How to vote in your state

The deadline to register Oct. 24.

You can vote by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Alert! New restriction

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

Alabama required voters to provide a photo ID starting in 2014. The state then closed 31 DMV locations in 2015, many of which were located in rural, low-income counties with high black populations.

You can write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Alabama

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Alabama? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 9.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting begins Oct. 24 and ends Nov. 8.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.
This ID does not have to include a photo.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Alaska

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Alaska? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 10.

Alert! New restriction

Registering to vote now requires proof of citizenship.

In 2004, Arizona passed a referendum requiring voters to show they are U.S. citizens when voting. In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down part of the provision, ruling that states do not have the right to determine new qualifications to the federal registration form. But the requirement still exists for the state form.

Alert! New restriction

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting begins Oct. 12 and ends Nov. 8.

In 2016, Arizona passed a bill making it a felony to turn in a voter’s mail-in ballot at the voting place. A person cannot hand in another voter’s ballot even if they had permission from the voter.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.
This ID does not have to include a photo.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Arizona

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Arizona? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 10.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting is available during business hours from Oct. 24 through Nov. 7.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.
This ID does not have to include a photo.

You cannot write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Arkansas

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Arkansas? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 24.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting dates vary by county.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

You can vote by providing your drivers license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your state voter-identification number.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in California

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in California? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 31.

You can also register in person on Election Day.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting begins Oct. 24 and ends Nov. 8.

All active voters are mailed an absentee ballot.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.
This ID does not have to include a photo.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Colorado

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Colorado? Let us know.

The deadline to register Nov. 1.

You can also register in person on Election Day if you have a receipt that proves your registration was recieved by the deadline.

You can vote by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Mail-in absentee ballots are only available upon request for active members of the military, those with an illness, physical disability or travel plans that prevent them from voting in person on Election Day, and election workers who are working at a polling place other than their own.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.

This ID does not have to include a photo. For first-time voters who registered by mail, photo ID or other proof of name and residence is required.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Connecticut

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Connecticut? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 15.

You can vote by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.
This ID does not have to include a photo.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Delaware

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Delaware? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

You can also register and cast a special ballot in person on Election Day.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Oct. 22 through Nov. 4.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.
But some polling places require ID to enter the building.

You can write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in the District of Columbia

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in the District of Columbia? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 18.

A federal judge ordered a one-week extension to the voter registration period, according to news reports. At least 1.5 million Floridians were under evacuation orders due to Hurricane Matthew shortly before the original Oct. 11 registration deadline. Gov. Rick Scott (R) refused to extend the deadline, but the judge ruled against him. Florida does not offer online registration or same-day registration.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Early voting available Oct. 24 through Nov. 6. Exact dates vary by county.

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

If the photo ID does not include your signature, you will be asked to provide a second form of ID with your signature.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Florida

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Florida? Let us know.

[Voter registration in Florida extended to Oct. 18 after Hurricane Matthew]

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

Georgia voting officials urged residents in the path of Hurricane Matthew to register to vote online.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting begins Oct. 17.

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.
Photo ID must be issued by a government agency.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Georgia

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Georgia? Let us know.

[Oct. 24: A growing conflict over voting rights is playing out in Georgia, where the presidential race is tightening]

The deadline to register Oct. 10.

You can also register and vote at the same time during early voting.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Oct. 25 through Nov. 5.

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.
This ID must also have your signature.

You cannot write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Hawaii

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Hawaii? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 14.

You can also register in person on Election Day.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Oct. 24 through Nov. 4.

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.
If no photo ID, you can sign an affidavit and cast a regular ballot.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Idaho

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Idaho? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 12.

Deadline for mail registration only — voters can register or change their address in person any time before or on Election Day.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Sept. 29 through Nov. 7.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.
Early voters must present a photo ID.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Illinois

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Illinois? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
In-person absentee voting available after Oct. 11.

Alert! New restriction

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.
If no photo ID, you can cast a provisional ballot.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Indiana

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Indiana? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 29.

You can also register in person on Election Day.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
In-person absentee voting dates vary by county.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

Unless it's your first time to vote and you registered by mail.

You can write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Iowa

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Iowa? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 18.

Alert! New restriction

Registering to vote now requires proof of citizenship.

Kansas voters who register to vote using a state registration form have to show documents, such as a birth certificate or a passport, proving they are citizens.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Nov. 1 through Nov. 8.

Alert! New restriction

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.
Options include concealed-carry handgun licenses and student or public assistance ID.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Kansas

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Kansas? Let us know.

[Sept. 9: Appeals court strikes down proof-of-citizenship voting requirement in 3 states]

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
In-person absentee voting dates vary by county.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.
This ID does not have to include a photo.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Kentucky

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Kentucky? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Oct. 25 through Nov. 1.

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

If you lack a photo ID, you can vote by providing proof of residence and singing an affidavit.

You cannot write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Louisiana

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Louisiana? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 18.

You can also register in person on Election Day.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
In-person absentee voting available after Oct. 10.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

Unless you are registering on election day — then, you must provide an ID and proof of residence.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Maine

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Maine? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 18.

You can also register in person during early voting.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Oct. 27 through Nov. 3.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

Unless it's your first time to vote and you registered by mail.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Maryland

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Maryland? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 19.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Oct. 24 through Nov. 4.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

Unless it's your first time to vote and you registered by mail.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Massachusetts

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Massachusetts? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
In-person absentee voting available Sept. 24 though Nov. 7.

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

You can vote by signing an affidavit if you don't have photo ID, and the ID does not need to include an address.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Michigan

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Michigan? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 18.

You can also register in person on Election Day.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Sept. 23 through Nov. 7.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Minnesota

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Minnesota? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 8.

You can vote by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Alert! New restriction

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

A strict photo-ID law took effect here after the Supreme Court struck down Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

You can write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Mississippi

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Mississippi? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 12.

You can vote by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.
This ID does not have to include a photo.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Missouri

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Missouri? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

You can register in person on Election Day.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
In-person absentee voting available Oct. 10 through Nov. 7.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.
This ID does not have to include a photo.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Montana

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Montana? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 28.

Alert! New restriction

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

In 2013, Nebraska passed a law cutting the in-person early-voting period from a minimum of 35 days to no more than 30 days. The law went into effect in 2014.

Alert! New restriction

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

Unless it's your first time to vote and you registered by mail.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Nebraska

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Nebraska? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 8.

Registration forms sent by mail must be postmarked by this date. The deadline for online or in-person registration is Oct. 18.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Oct. 22 through Nov. 4.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

But you must sign the election-board register and the signature will be compared with the signature on your original application to vote or another form of ID .

You cannot write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Nevada

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Nevada? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 29.

You can also register in person on Election Day.

You can vote by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Alert! New restriction

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

If no photo ID is present, a voter fills out an affidavit and is photographed at the polls.

You can write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in New Hampshire

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in New Hampshire? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 18.

You can vote by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

Unless you did not show identification when you registered.

You can write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in New Jersey

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in New Jersey? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting begins Oct. 12.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

Unless you did not show identification when you registered.

You cannot write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in New Mexico

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in New Mexico? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 14.

You can vote by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in New York

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in New York? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 14.

Newly restored rules that were nearly taken away by Republicans will allow voters who miss the deadline to register during early voting.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

A 2013 law that reduced the early voting period by one week was struck down in July. Because the court did not offer specific guidelines for reinstating early voting, however, some local election boards are moving forward with the reductions. According to the state Board of Elections, early voting will run from Oct. 20 until 1 p.m. Nov. 5.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

A panel of the U.S. Appeals Court for the 4th Circuit struck North Carolina’s law, saying the Republican-led legislature enacted new voting restrictions in 2013 to intentionally blunt the growing clout of African American voters. The law would have required government-issued photo identification to vote in person, and the State Board of Elections says it will not be enforced. The Supreme Court later denied a stay request to reinstate the law.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in North Carolina

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in North Carolina? Let us know.

[Sept. 2: Inside the Republican creation of the North Carolina voting bill dubbed the ‘monster’ law]

The deadline to register Nov. 8.

No voter registration is required.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Contact your local election office for details on early voting.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.

A federal judge blocked North Dakota's new voter-ID law in August, calling it unfair to Native Americans.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in North Dakota

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in North Dakota? Let us know.

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The deadline to register Oct. 11.

Alert! New restriction

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Early voting available Oct. 12 through Nov. 7. New laws passed in 2015 eliminated six days of early voting.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.
This ID does not have to include a photo.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Ohio

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Ohio? Let us know.

[Aug. 23: Federal appeals court says no to restoring extra days of early voting in Ohio.]

The deadline to register Oct. 14.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Early voting available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 5.

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

The only acceptable non-photo ID is a free Voter Identification Card issued by a County Election Board. Without this, voters must cast a provisional ballot.

You cannot write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Oklahoma

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Oklahoma? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 18.

You can vote by mail. All elections are conducted by mail.

You can write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Oregon

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Oregon? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

You can vote by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

In 2012, Pensylvania passed a photo-ID requirement, but it was questioned in court and never enforced. First-time voters must prove their identity and address.

You can write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Pennsylvania

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Pennsylvania? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 9.

You can vote by mail or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Alert! New restriction

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

If you don't have a photo ID, you can cast a provisional ballot that will be counted if the signature given matches the one in the voter-registraton record.

You can write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Rhode Island

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Rhode Island? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

South Carolina officials extended the deadline to register to vote in this fall’s elections due to Hurricane Matthew. The South Carolina Election Commission said applications postmarked by Oct. 11 will be accepted. Online, email or fax applications are due by midnight, Oct. 9.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
In-person absentee voting available Oct. 10 through Nov. 7.

Alert! New restriction

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

Voters must have a photo ID to vote, but if they don't, they can sign an affidavit affirming their identity and then cast a ballot. Free photo voter ID cards are also available.

You cannot write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in South Carolina

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in South Carolina? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 24.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
In-person absentee voting begins Sept. 24.

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

Voters must have a photo ID to vote, but if they don't, they can sign an affidavit affirming their identity and then cast a ballot.

You cannot write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in South Dakota

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in South Dakota? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

Alert! New restriction

Registering to vote now requires proof of citizenship.

Proof of citizenship requirement applies only to individuals flagged by state officials as potential non-citizens in a database.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Early voting available Oct. 19 through Nov. 3. The early voting period for presidential preference primaries was reduced in 2011.

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

Acceptable IDs are limited to those issued by the state or federal government, but expired IDs are accepted.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Tennessee

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Tennessee? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Oct. 24 through Nov. 4.

Alert! New restriction

When you go to vote, bring your identification.

The state’s original law said that voters must show one of a few kinds of government-issued photo IDs, such as a drivers license, a passport or a concealed-carry license. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit said the law was racially discriminatory. Now, any voter who does not have one of the originally required forms of photo ID can sign a declaration that they have a “reasonable impediment” and then show a different kind of identification. Those voters, who must present a valid voter registration certificate, shall be permitted to vote if they also show a birth certificate, a current utility bill, a bank statement, a government check, a paycheck or any other government document that displays the voter’s name and address.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Texas

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Texas? Let us know.

[Aug. 3: Texas reaches deal to weaken voter-ID rules.]

The deadline to register Oct. 11.

Registration forms must be postmarked by Oct. 11. The deadline for online or in-person registration is Nov. 1.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Oct. 25 through Nov. 4.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.

You can present a photo ID or two forms of identification with your name and address.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Utah

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Utah? Let us know.

The deadline to register Nov. 2.

You can also register in person on Election Day.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Sept. 25 through Nov. 7.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

Unless it's your first time to vote and you registered by mail.

You can write-in a candidate for president.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Vermont

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Vermont? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 21.

Judge Claude M. Hilton of U.S. District Court in Alexandria decided to extend registration after the state elections website crashed on Monday, Oct. 17, the last day for Virginians to get on the rolls.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
In-person absentee voting available starting Sept. 24.

Alert! New restriction

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

You can apply for a free Virginia Voter Photo ID at a voting registration office, but not at a polling place. If you lack a government-, school- or employer-issued photo ID on Election Day, you must cast a provisional ballot. That ballot will be counted only if proper identification is provided by noon on Nov. 11. You can use a free Virginia Voter Photo ID to validate a provisional ballot, and you can obtain the ID at the registraton office on Election Day. But, according to the Virginia Department of Elections, you cannot cast your ballot at a registration office, so the process would require two stops.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Virginia

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Virginia? Let us know.

[Sept. 22: Appeals court to hear challenge to Virginia’s voter-identification law]

The deadline to register Oct. 10.

Registration forms must be postmarked or completed online by Oct. 10. The deadline for in-person registration is Oct. 31.

You can vote by mail. All elections are conducted by mail.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Washington

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Washington? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 18.

You can vote by mail, early or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Early voting available Oct. 26 through Nov. 5.

When you go to vote, there is no ID requirement.

Unless it's your first time to vote and you registered by mail.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in West Virginia

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in West Virginia? Let us know.

The deadline to register Oct. 19.

You can also register in person on Election Day.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
Clerks can begin offering in-person absentee voting whenever ballots are available.

Alert! New restriction

When you go to vote, bring your photo ID.

A federal ruling in July said Wisconsin residents who had trouble obtaining the required identification could still vote with an affidavit. But an appeals court in August put that ruling on hold.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Wisconsin

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Wisconsin? Let us know.

[Aug. 10: In Wisconsin, a controversial voter-ID law could help choose the president.]

The deadline to register Oct. 24.

You can also register in person on Election Day.

You can vote by mail, in-person absentee or on Election Day, Nov. 8.
In-person absentee voting available starting Sept. 30.

When you go to vote, bring your identification.
This ID does not have to include a photo.

You can write-in a candidate for president, but your vote will not count if the candidate is not registered with state election officials.

Thinking about writing in a candidate on Election Day? Read this guide before you do.

More about voting in Wyoming

Did we get something wrong about the current rules for voting in Wyoming? Let us know.

By Darla Cameron, Julie Vitkovskaya and Jia Lynn Yang

Updated Oct. 24, 2016

A wave of states passed laws adding new restrictions on voters after the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder, which invalidated a crucial component of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Under Section 5, states and jurisdictions with a history of discrimination had to get permission from the federal government before enacting any new voting law. The court did not strike down Section 5 or the provision that called for special scrutiny of the states that had discriminated in the past. But the court ruled that it was up to Congress to devise a new formula to determine which states should be subject to the requirements of preclearance by the Justice Department. Congress has not acted. Without congressional action, no states or counties are required to obtain federal approval before implementing new voting laws.

[Battleground states still fighting over voting laws, potential Election Day confusion]

[In a year of Trump and new voting laws, U.S. government will ‘severely’ limit election observers]

[Without conservative Supreme Court majority, voter-law challengers make gains]

States have tried to implement these most common voting restrictions

Photo ID

Citizenship proof

Early-voting changes

Mail-in-voting changes

WHO DO THESE RESTRICTIVE LAWS AFFECT? African Americans, the elderly, students and those with disabilities are most affected. Voter-photo ID bills are the most common restrictive legislation.

State with new or proposed restrictions
State or county previously under Section 5
Previous Section 5 area with new restrictions

State

Days left to register

Vote-by-mail

Can vote early

Vote on Election Day

Photo ID required?

State voting site

Alabama

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Alaska

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Arizona

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Arkansas

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

California

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Colorado

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Connecticut

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information

Delaware

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information

District of Columbia

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Florida

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Georgia

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Hawaii

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Idaho

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Illinois

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Indiana

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Iowa

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information

Kansas

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Kentucky

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information

Louisiana

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Maine

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information

Maryland

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Massachusetts

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Michigan

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Minnesota

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Mississippi

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Missouri

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information

Montana

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information

Nebraska

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Nevada

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

New Hampshire

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

New Jersey

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information

New Mexico

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

New York

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information

North Carolina

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information

North Dakota

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Ohio

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Oklahoma

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Oregon

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

more information

Pennsylvania

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information

Rhode Island

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

South Carolina

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

South Dakota

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Tennessee

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Texas

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Utah

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Vermont

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Virginia

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Washington

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

more information

West Virginia

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

can vote early

vote on Election Day

more information

Wisconsin

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

photo ID required

more information

Wyoming

days left to register to vote

vote-by-mail

vote on Election Day

more information