States With Same-Day Voter Registration: Register and Vote on Election Day

Same-day voter registration (also called Election Day registration) allows eligible voters to register and vote on the same day. This means you don’t have to meet advance registration deadlines to participate in the election.

States That Allow Same-Day Voter Registration

The following states allow 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 (only during early voting)
• North Carolina
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia*
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

*Note: These states allow same-day registration during the early voting period as well as on Election Day.

Special case: North Dakota doesn’t require voter registration. Eligible voters can simply show up with identification and vote.

How Same-Day Voter Registration Works

If your state allows same-day registration, here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Go to Your Polling Place

You must register in person on Election Day. You cannot register online or by mail on Election Day and must appear at your polling location.

To find your polling place:

• Check your state or county election website
• Call your local election office

Some states allow same-day registration at any polling place. Others require you to go to a specific location

Step 2: Tell Poll Workers You Need to Register

When you arrive, let the election official know that you need to register to vote. They will provide you with the necessary registration forms.

Step 3: Complete the Registration Form

You’ll need to fill out a voter registration form with your:

• Name
• Current address
• Date of birth
• Citizenship status
• Other identifying information

You can request another form if you make a mistake.

Step 4: Provide Required Documentation

You must prove both your identity and your residence. See the section below for specific documents you’ll need.

Step 5: Cast Your Ballot

Once your registration is complete and verified, you can immediately proceed to vote. You’ll be able to vote in all races on the ballot, including:

• Primary elections
• General elections
• Presidential elections
• State and local elections

The registration process typically takes 10-20 minutes, but lines may be longer on Election Day. Allow extra time if you’re registering on the same day.

What To Bring: ID and Proof of Residence

Each state has specific requirements for what documentation you need to register on Election Day. At a minimum, you’ll need to prove:

• Your identity (who you are)
• Your residence (where you live)

Certain states may require more documentation.

Acceptable Forms of Identification

Most states accept the following as proof of identity:

Photo ID:

• Driver’s license or state ID
• U.S. passport
• Military ID
• Tribal ID
• Student ID (in some states)

Non-photo ID (accepted in some states):

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Government-issued document with your name

Acceptable Proof of Residence

To prove where you live, bring one of the following:

• Utility bill (electric, gas, water) dated within the last 30-60 days
• Bank statement with your current address
• Lease or mortgage document
• Government check or document showing your address
• Paycheck with your address
• Property tax statement
• Vehicle registration

Some states require specific combinations of documents (for example, both a photo ID and proof of residence). Others are more flexible. Check your state’s requirements before heading to the polls.

What If You Recently Moved?

ID requirements for new residents are mostly the same as for others, but some states require specific documentation that may include:

• Proof of your new address (recent utility bill, lease, etc.)
• Documentation showing that you’ve moved into the jurisdiction
• A piece of mail addressed to you at your new address

Some states require that eligible voters have lived in the jurisdiction for a minimum period of time, such as 30 days. Check your new state’s voting laws to be sure.

What if Your State Doesn’t Allow Same-Day Registration?

If your state isn’t on the list above, you cannot register on Election Day. However, you still have options:

Check To See if You’re Already Registered

You may have registered previously and forgotten, or your registration may still be active. Check your registration status:

• Visit your state’s election website
• Call your local election office
• Use FindLaw’s Am I Registered to Vote?

If you’re uncertain, you can attempt to cast a provisional vote at the polling location.

Cast a Provisional Ballot

If you believe you’re registered but your name doesn’t appear on the voter rolls, you can request a provisional ballot. Election officials will verify your registration after Election Day and count your vote if you’re eligible.

Register for Future Elections

If you missed the registration deadline for this election, register for the next one now so you don’t miss it again. You can do this by:

• Most states offer online voter registration
• You can register at the DMV when getting or renewing your license (thanks to the National Voter Registration Act)
• You can register by mail using a voter registration form

Don’t let missing this deadline discourage you from voting in the future.

Same-Day Registration vs. Early Voting

Some states that allow same-day registration extend this option to their early voting period, not just Election Day. Here’s what you need to know about the two methods:

Early voting with same-day registration:

• You can register and vote during the early voting period, typically one to two weeks before Election Day
• This can mean shorter lines and more convenience
• You have the same requirements (ID and proof of residence)

States with same-day registration during early voting:

• California
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Maine*
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York (early voting only)
• North Carolina (early voting only)
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia

*Maine has no deadlines for registering to vote in person at a town office or city hall. There is a 21-day deadline for mail-in and voter registration drive registrations.

Check your state’s rules to find out if you can use same-day registration during early voting.

Why Same-Day Registration Matters

Same-day voter registration allows those who may have been removed from the voting rolls or forgotten to register the opportunity to vote. It’s a welcome option for:

• People who recently moved and haven’t updated their registration
• Young voters or first-time voters who missed registration deadlines
• People who weren’t sure if they wanted to vote until close to Election Day
• Anyone who thought they were registered but wasn’t

States with same-day registration consistently see higher voter turnout than states without it. Making voting more accessible increases civic participation.

Voter Eligibility Requirements

To register to vote, you must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:

• You are a U.S. citizen
• You are at least 18 years old on or before Election Day
• You meet your state’s residency requirements (typically 30 days)
• You are not currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction (rules vary by state)

North Dakota is the only state that does not require voter registration. Eligible voters can simply show up with identification and vote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register online on Election Day?

No. Same-day registration must be done in person at your polling place or designated election office. You cannot register online on Election Day, even in states that offer online registration at other times.

Can I use same-day registration for early voting?

It depends on your state. Some states allow same-day registration during the early voting period, while others allow it only on Election Day. Check your state’s specific rules.

What if I don’t have a permanent address?

You can still register and vote. See our guide on voting without a permanent address for more information.

How long does same-day registration take?

Typically 10-20 minutes, but it can take longer if there are lines. Arrive early to ensure you have enough time before polls close.

What if I’m in line when polls close?

If you’re in line when polls close, stay in line. You have the right to vote and register if you were in line before the official closing time.

Can I register my family members on Election Day?

Each eligible voter must register themselves and provide their own identification. You cannot register someone else to vote, even a family member.

What if poll workers say I can’t register on the same day?

If you’re in a state that allows same-day registration and poll workers incorrectly tell you that you can’t register:

• Politely insist on your right to same-day registration
• Ask to speak to a supervisor
• Call your state’s voter protection hotline
• Document what happened

Even though election workers should know the ins and outs of their state’s same-day registration, people make mistakes. Be as patient as possible, but also firm in your desire to vote.

What’s the difference between same-day registration and automatic voter registration?

Same-day registration means you can register on Election Day. Automatic voter registration means the government automatically registers you when you interact with certain agencies (like the DMV). They’re different programs that some states offer.

State-Specific Resources

For detailed information about same-day registration rules in your state:

• Visit your state’s secretary of state or election office website
• Call your local election office
• Check with nonpartisan voting organizations in your area

You can also find links to state-specific voting guides on FindLaw’s Voting Rights homepage.

Get Legal Help With Voting Rights Issues

If you experience problems with same-day voter registration or believe your voting rights have been violated, contact a civil rights attorney.

When to seek legal help:

• You were denied same-day registration in a state that allows it
• Poll workers gave you incorrect information about your rights
• You faced discrimination or intimidation at the polls
• Your registration was improperly rejected
• You need help navigating voting laws in your state

An experienced civil rights attorney can help protect your constitutional right to vote and ensure your voice is heard in elections.