The United States is gearing up for the big Election Day — Nov 5. As the nation readies to elect its next president, early voting has already begun in many of the 50 US states. The election race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris is tighter than ever.
Those voting for the first time may be wondering if they need to bring an ID to vote. Here’s your answer.
Do I need an ID to vote?
The answer depends on where you’re voting from because rules vary widely across the country.
To put it simply, in the US, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to voter ID requirements.
While federal law doesn’t require a photo ID to vote, each state has its requirements. Broadly, ID requirements fall into three categories:
Strict photo ID states
In more than 20 states, voters require a government-issued photo ID—like a driving licence or passport—for casting a ballot. This includes Georgia, Indiana, and Texas, which have very strict rules. Those without a valid ID may have to vote with a provisional ballot, which will only be counted if they present an ID within a set timeframe after the election.
Non-strict ID states
Other states, such as Ohio and Arizona, allow a range of ID options, from utility bills to bank statements. Here, a photo ID isn’t necessarily required.
Voters without any form of ID can often sign an affidavit or have an election official confirm their identity to vote as usual.
No ID required
States like California, Oregon, and New York don’t require any ID for in-person voting. Instead, they depend on voter registration records to confirm identity, with added safeguards like signature verification to prevent fraud.