Which US states make it hardest to vote?
While some states have enacted policies that make it easier to cast a ballot, many have gone in the opposite direction
For Americans who want to exercise the most fundamental of democratic rights in the 2020 presidential election – the right to vote – the ability to do so may come down to one surprising variable. Where they live.
That’s because, while some states have enacted policies that make it easier to cast a ballot, many have gone in the opposite direction and erected barriers such as scrubbing people from the voter rolls and preventing any kind of early voting.
At the root of these disparities is a systemic legacy in the US of suppressing voters of color. The phenomenon has been on the rise since a 2013 supreme court ruling weakened the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the single most powerful legislation safeguarding Americans from discriminatory voting practices.
As our interactive map reveals, while the Pacific north-west is a great place to move for those who’d like their voting rights respected, the deep south is particularly repressive. There are also a number of unexpected outliers.
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Alabama
Identification: Alabama requires specific types of photo identification to vote, such as a drivers license or a US passport. However, the state does have a free photo identification program.
Voter registration: Alabama voters can register online or through mail prior to the election. Alabama participates in the Crosscheck program, and has purged upwards of 650,000 people from voter roll lists since 2015.
Felonies: Alabama strips people with felony convictions of voting rights if they’ve committed a crime that fits the government’s definition of moral turpitude, such as murder or kidnapping, though they may apply for restoration after their probation, parole, fines and fees are completes. Voting rights are protected for other crimes.
Early: Alabama does not permit early voting.
Absentee voting: Alabama a government-approved excuse for absentee voting.
Back to mapAlaska
Identification: Alaska does not require a photo identification to vote, though it does require a form of identification such as a utility bill, driver’s license or paycheck.
Voter registration: Alaska offers automatic voter registration and online registration.
Felonies: Alaska strips convicted people with felony convictions of voting rights if they’ve committed a crime that fits the government’s definition of moral turpitude, such as murder or kidnapping. This extends through the probation period after which voting rights are automatically restored. Others are able to vote while incarcerated.
Early: Alaska’s early voting period begins 15 days before Election Day and does not require an excuse.
Absentee voting: All voters may vote absentee in Alaska without an excuse.
Back to mapArizona
Identification: Arizona requires a photo ID or two non-photo IDs on an approved list of documentation.
Voter registration: As of this year, Arizona no longer participates in the crosscheck program. The state allows online registration.
Felonies: Arizona strips people with felony convictions of their voting rights through the probation period upon first offence. For those with more than one conviction, people have to reapply to restore their right to vote.
Early: Arizona’s early voting period begins 27 days before the election and ends four days before Election Day. Photo ID is required for early voting. Some counties also participate in an all-mail ballot system.
Absentee voting: Arizona permits no-excuse absentee voting.
Back to mapArkansas
Identification: The state’s constitution requires one of several approved photo IDs to vote. Voters without an ID can sign an affidavit or cast a provisional ballot.
Voter registration: Arkansas does not have online registration, and remains part of the crosscheck program.
Felonies: Arkansas restores the right to vote only after those with felony convictions completes their sentence, including probation, and pays any fines owed to the government.
Early: Arkansas allows no-excuse early voting about two weeks prior to Election Day.
Absentee voting: Arkansas requires that absentee voters fit a set of requirements, such as physical disability or armed forces leave.
Back to mapCalifornia
Identification: California does not require identification to vote.
Voter registration: California has automatic voter registration and same day registration.
Felonies: California strips voting rights of prisoners while incarcerated and on parole, but not on probation. The state requires people to register to vote after their parole is finished.
Early: California’s early voting days vary by county, but can be up to 29 days before the election.
Absentee voting: California allows no-excuse absentee voting by mail for all voters.
Back to mapColorado
Identification: The state of Colorado requests either photo or non-photo identification from an approved list.
Voter registration: Colorado has all-mail elections, but also allows online registration and same day voter registration. Recently, automatic voter registration was passed.
Felonies: Those in prison cannot vote, but Colorado recently allowed parolees to vote, along with those on probation.
Early: Colorado mails ballots to all registered voters, and early voting starts 15 days before Election Day.
Absentee voting: Colorado allows no-excuse absentee voting.
Back to mapConnecticut
Identification: The state requests a non-photo or photo-ID from a list of approved documents . Voters can sign an affidavit if they don’t have an ID.
Voter registration: Voters can register up until seven days before election day, and same-day registration is available at a designated and centralized location. Voters are automatically registered when applying for a driver's license.
Felonies: Connecticut restores voting rights to felons only after they complete their sentence and parole and pay their fines and fees.
Early: Connecticut does not allow early voting.
Absentee voting: The state restricts absentee voting to specific situations, such as active duty and illness.
Back to mapDelaware
Identification: The state requests any identification with a name and address, or address and photo. People can still vote on Election Day without an ID if they sign an affidavit.
Voter registration: Delaware allows mail and online voter registration up until 24 days before the election.
Felonies: Delaware permanently strips voting rights for felons who have committed certain types of crimes, including murder and rape. Others can vote after they’ve completed their sentences.
Early: Delaware only allows early voting for those who have one of the approved excused.
Absentee voting: Delaware only allows early voting via absentee ballot for those who have one of the approved excuses.
Back to mapFlorida
Identification: Voters in Florida are requested to bring a photo ID to the polls. However, if someone does not have their ID, they can still vote on a provisional ballot, which is then verified by election officials to determine if it should be counted.
Voter registration: Voters can register online or through specified agencies until 29 days prior to the election
Felonies: Convicted felons can vote in Florida after they’ve completed their sentences, including probation and parole. This does not apply to those convicted of murder or sexual offenses, who are permanently disenfranchised unless they are granted clemency
Early: Early voting in Florida is 10 days prior to the election.
Absentee voting: Florida allows no-excuse absentee voting.
Back to mapGeorgia
Identification: Georgia requires photo identification from a list of approved IDs.
Voter registration: Georgia has an “exact match" law, which requires that a voter’s registration form matches records kept by state officials. Residents can register online or through paper forms.
Felonies: Voting rights are stripped until the completion of a person’s sentence, including probation and parole.
Early: Georgia allows early voting with varying time periods before an election.
Absentee voting: Georgia allows no-excuse absentee voting.
Back to mapHawaii
Identification: The state requests either a photo or non-photo ID at the polls. Bank statements and utility bills are valid.
Voter registration: Hawaii allows same-day registration, as well as online registration.
Felonies: Hawaii restores voting rights upon completion of prison sentences. Those on parole or probation are able to vote.
Early: Hawaii allows early voting for about 10 days leading up to the election.
Absentee voting: Hawaii allows no-excuse absentee voting.
Back to mapIdaho
Identification: Photo ID is required to vote in Idaho. Acceptable identification includes government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or student ID.
Voter registration: Registration can be done online, via mail, or in person.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon immediately upon completion of their sentence, including probation and parole.
Early: Idaho allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Idaho permits absentee voting. An absentee ballot application must be received by county election officials at least 11 days prior to the election. Upon receiving the absentee ballot, the voter has until 5pm on the Friday before election day to return it to election officials.
Back to mapIllinois
Identification: Illinois does not request identification at polling stations.
Voter registration: Illinois has same-day voting registration and online registration, and it has started to implement automatic voter registration by allowing people to opt in when they get a driver’s license.
Felonies: The state restores voting rights immediately upon completion of a prison sentence. Those on parole and probation retain their right to vote.
Early: Illinois allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Illinois allows no-excuse absentee voting to all voters.
Back to mapIndiana
Identification: Indiana requires a photo ID that is issued by the state or federal government and has an expiration date.
Voter registration: Voters can register online or via mail up until 29 days before the election.
Felonies: Voting rights are automatically restored after completion of prison sentences. The state allows voting on parole and probation.
Early: The state allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Indiana requires an approved excuse to cast an absentee ballot, including disability, work, or military service.
Back to mapIowa
Identification: Identification is required to vote in Iowa. Acceptable forms include government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Another registered voter may also attest to a voter’s identity.
Voter registration: Iowa has same-day registration with proof of identification. It also has online and mail-in registration up to 10 days before the election.
Felonies: Convicted felons never regain the right to vote in Iowa unless the governor restores it.
Early: Iowa allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Iowa allows no-excuse absentee voting in person only.
Back to mapKansas
Identification: Kansas voters are required to provide a photo ID from a list of valid government documents. A precinct officer may also attest to a voter’s identity.
Voter registration: Kansas allows online and mail-in registration 21 days prior to election day. The state struck down a law that once required citizens to provide proof of citizenship to register, but it still participates in elements of the Crosscheck program.
Felonies: Kansas allows voting rights to be restored only after a felon has completed their sentence, including parole and probation.
Early: Kansas allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Kansas allows no-excuse absentee voting.
Back to mapKentucky
Identification: Voters are required to have either photo or non-photo ID at the polls. Election officers may also confirm the identity of a voter.
Voter registration: Kentucky requires registration via mail, online or in person at an approved location 28 days before the election.
Felonies: Convicted felons never regain the right to vote in Kentucky unless the governor restores it.
Early: Kentucky does not allow no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Absentee voters in Kentucky must have an approved excuse, such as being a student or of advanced age.
Back to mapLouisiana
Identification: Voters must provide a photo ID that includes a name and signature, such as a driver’s license or Louisiana special ID. Voters without ID may sign an affidavit and vote a regular ballot.
Voter registration: Louisiana requires mail, online or in-person registration.
Felonies: Louisiana allows voting rights to be restored only after a felon has completed his sentence, including parole and probation (unless they have been on parole and have not been incarcerated within the last five years).
Early: Louisiana allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Louisiana voters are required to provide an approved excuse to vote absentee, including hospitalization, academics or institutionalization.
Back to mapMaine
Identification: Voters are not required to provide an ID to vote unless they are registering to vote on election day
Voter registration: Maine allows same-day in-person registration but will enact automatic registration in 2022
Felonies: Maine grants all convicted felons the right to vote.
Early: Maine allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Maine allows no-excuse absentee voting.
Back to mapMaryland
Identification: Voters are not required to provide an ID to vote unless they are registering to vote on election day.
Voter registration: Maryland allows same-day voter registration during the early voting period and online registration.
Felonies: Voting rights can be restored to convicted felons immediately upon completion of a court-ordered prison sentence.
Early: Maryland allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: All voters are eligible to vote absentee in Maryland.
Back to mapMassachusetts
Identification: Only first-time voters who registered by mail are required to present ID at the polls. Both photo and non-photo ID are valid.
Voter registration: Must register 20 days before via mail or online. Automatic voter registration will be rolled out soon.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon immediately upon completion of their prison sentence.
Early: Massachusetts allows early voting via absentee ballot in special circumstances.
Absentee voting: A citizen is eligible to vote absentee in an election if they cannot make it to the polls on election day because they will be absent from the city, are disabled, or are prevented from voting at the polling place for religious reasons.
Back to mapMichigan
Identification: Voters are required to present photo identification at the polls. A voter's photo ID does not need to include an address. A voter without photo ID may sign an affidavit attesting that they do not possess it.
Voter registration: Voters can register by mail; at county, city, or township clerk's offices; or by visiting any state department branch office. They can also do same-day registration. Automatic will be rolled out soon.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon immediately upon completion of their prison sentence.
Early: Michigan allows early voting via absentee ballot.
Absentee voting: Michigan allows voters to cast an absentee ballot without providing an excuse 45 days prior to the election.
Back to mapMinnesota
Identification: Voters are not required to provide an ID to vote unless they are registering to vote on election day.
Voter registration: Minnesota allows same-day registration, as well as online and by-mail registration prior to election day.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored after the completion of a sentence, including parole and probation.
Early: Minnesota allows early voting via absentee ballot.
Absentee voting: Minnesota allows no-excuse in-person absentee voting.
Back to mapMississippi
Identification: Voters are required to present a valid photo ID from a list of approved IDs to vote in person.
Voter registration: The state requires mail or in-person registration to be completed 30 days prior to election day.
Felonies: The state strips voting rights from those convicted of specific felonies, such as murder or sexual offenses, permanently. Others are able to vote after completion of their sentences, including probation and parole.
Early: Mississippi allows absentee voting to those who have an approved excuse, such as disability or an age barrier. Technically this is not considered 'early voting'.
Absentee voting: Mississippi allows absentee voting to those who have an approved excuse, such as disability or an age barrier.
Back to mapMissouri
Identification: Photo or non-photo IDs are required at the polls.
Voter registration: The state allows online registration or mail-in registration at least 27 days prior to election day.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored after prison time, parole and probation. Individuals who have been convicted of an election offense, whether a felony or misdemeanor, are not allowed to vote.
Early: Missouri allows absentee voting to those who have an approved excuse, such as disability or an age barrier. Technically this isn't considered 'early voting'.
Absentee voting: Missouri allows absentee voting to those who have an approved excuse, such as disability or an age barrier.
Back to mapMontana
Identification: Photo or non-photo IDs are required at the polls.
Voter registration: Regular voter registration deadline is 30 days prior to an election. If the deadline has passed, a voter can register at their county election office anytime until election day.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence.
Early: Montana allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Montana allows no-excuse absentee voting.
Back to mapNebraska
Identification: Identification is not required at the ballot box in Nebraska.
Voter registration: Registration can be done online. Voters must be registered by the third Friday before election day.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon two years after completion of their sentence.
Early: Nebraska allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Nebraska allows absentee voting.
Back to mapNevada
Identification: According to Nevada law, a voter does not need to present an ID to vote as long as her name appears in the election board register and her signature matches the signature on the record.
Voter registration: Registration is required and can be done online. Voters must be registered at least 21 days before election day. Automatic registration was recently passed.
Felonies: The right to vote can be restored upon completion of sentence.
Early: Nevada allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Nevada allows all of its citizens to vote absentee.
Back to mapNew Hampshire
Identification: Photo ID (such as a driver’s license or other government-issued ID) is required to vote in New Hampshire. If the voter does not have any photo identification, their picture is taken at their polling location and attached to an affidavit which they are required to sign.
Voter registration: The state allows same-day registration, and advance voter registration at a clerk’s office.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon immediately upon completion of their prison sentence.
Early: New Hampshire does not permit early voting unless there is a valid excuse.
Absentee voting: New Hampshire does not permit absentee voting unless there is a valid excuse and an affidavit is signed. Excuses are limited to absence from their polling area on election day, religious reasons, disability, military service, or employment obligations.
Back to mapNew Jersey
Identification: Identification is not required to vote at the ballot box, but it is required for voter registration.
Voter registration: The deadline to register is 21 days prior to the election. The registration application is available on the state’s website and can be mailed or delivered in person to the county commissioner of registration or superintendent of elections.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence.
Early: New Jersey allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: New Jersey allows absentee voting. Applications for absentee ballots by mail must be received by election clerks at least seven days prior to election day. Applications for absentee ballots may also be submitted in person to county election officials until 3pm on the day before the election. The completed absentee ballot must be returned by the time polls close on election day.
Back to mapNew Mexico
Identification: Identification is required to vote in New Mexico unless it was presented at the time of registration. Acceptable identification includes both photo and non-photo ID.
Voter registration: Registration is required and can be done online.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence, parole, and probation.
Early: New Mexico allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: New Mexico allows no-excuse absentee voting.
Back to mapNew York
Identification: No ID is required to vote at the ballot box.
Voter registration: Registration is required and can be done online.
Felonies: Voting rights can be restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence and parole.
Early: New York does allow early voting.
Absentee voting: New York does not permit absentee voting unless there is a valid excuse. Excuses are limited to absence from their polling area on election day, religious reasons, disability, military service, or employment obligations.
Back to mapNorth Carolina
Identification: Photo identification is required to vote in North Carolina. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or any other government-issued ID with the voter's current address.
Voter registration: The deadline to register to vote in North Carolina is 25 days before the election. Registration can be done by mail.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence, including parole and probation.
Early: North Carolina allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: North Carolina allows in-person absentee voting.
Back to mapNorth Dakota
Identification: Non-photo or photo ID is required. North Dakota does not allow US passports or military IDs to be used as voter ID except for ND residents living abroad who don't have one of the other IDs. Valid ND voter ID must include a current residential address.
Voter registration: There is no formal registration process for voting in North Dakota.
Felonies: Voting rights can be restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence.
Early: North Dakota allows no-excuse early voting via absentee ballot.
Absentee voting: North Dakota allows absentee voting for all those registered.
Back to mapOhio
Identification: Ohio requires a photo or non-photo government-issued ID.
Voter registration: Applications for voter registration can be made online, in person or through mail.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence.
Early: Ohio allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Ohio allows no-excuse absentee voting.
Back to mapOklahoma
Identification: Identification is required to vote in Oklahoma. Acceptable identification includes both photo and non-photo ID such as a driver’s license, voter ID card, passport or a signed identification affidavit.
Voter registration: Registration is required. Applications should be mailed to the State Election Board.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their court ordered sentence, including parole and probation.
Early: Oklahoma allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Oklahoma allows absentee voting for all those registered.
Back to mapOregon
Identification: No ID is required to vote. All voting in Oregon is done by mail.
Voter registration: Oregon has recently implemented automatic voter registration.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence.
Early: All voting in Oregon is done by mail so there is no need for early voting.
Absentee voting: Oregon permits absentee voting, as all voting is done by mail.
Back to mapPennsylvania
Identification: If voting for the first time, Pennsylvania requires either photo and non-photo ID such as a driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, passport, military ID, or any other government-issued ID with the voter's current address.
Voter registration: Registration can be done online or by mail.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence, parole and probation.
Early: Pennsylvania allows early voting with a valid excuse.
Absentee voting: Pennsylvania allows absentee voting with a valid excuse.
Back to mapRhode Island
Identification: Photo identification is required to vote. Acceptable identification includes a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or any other government issued ID with the voter's photo and current address. Voters without ID may vote a provisional ballot that will be counted if the signature matches the voter registration record.
Voter registration: Registration can be done online or by mail.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence.
Early: Rhode Island does allows early voting with a valid excuse.
Absentee voting: Rhode Island allows absentee voting with a valid excuse.
Back to mapSouth Carolina
Identification: Photo identification is required to vote. Voters without ID may sign an affidavit and vote a regular ballot.
Voter registration: Registration can be done online or by mail.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon after completion of their sentence, including parole and probation.
Early: South Carolina requires an excuse for early voting or in-person absentee voting.
Absentee voting: South Carolina permits absentee voting in some instances. Applications for absentee ballots by mail can be downloaded here and must be received by the county election board by 5pm on the fourth day prior to election day. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the voter’s county voter registration office by 7pm on election day (either in person or by mail).
Back to mapSouth Dakota
Identification: Photo identification is required to vote in South Dakota. Acceptable identification includes a driver’s license, tribal ID, student ID, passport or military ID. If a voter does not have photo ID, they may sign a personal identification affidavit instead.
Voter registration: South Dakota has online and mail-in registration.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence, parole and probation.
Early: South Dakota allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: South Dakota allows no-excuse absentee voting.
Back to mapTennessee
Identification: Voters must bring a valid photo ID to vote in person. Student IDs do not count.
Voter registration: Voters can register online, by mail, or in person 30 days before election day.
Felonies: Voters must apply to have their voting rights restored after completing their sentences, but some crimes, such as murder, result in the permanent loss of voting rights.
Early: No-excuse early voting begins 20 days and ends five days before election day.
Absentee voting: Absentee ballot applications must be received by mail or in person seven days before election day.
Back to mapTexas
Identification: Photo identification is required to vote in Texas. Acceptable identification includes a driver’s license and passport. If a voter cannot obtain an acceptable photo ID, they may present another form of ID with their current address and fill out a “reasonable impediment declaration".
Voter registration: Registration is required and must be done 30 days before an election. There is no online registration.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence. They must re-register.
Early: Texas allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Texas permits absentee voting in some instances. Applications for absentee ballots by mail can be downloaded here and must be received by the county election board by close of business seven days prior to election day. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the close of polls on election day.
Back to mapUtah
Identification: Identification is required to vote in Utah. Acceptable identification includes either one photo ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or any other government-issued ID with the voter's current address and photo) or two forms of non-photo ID (such as a utility bill or bank statement).
Voter registration: Utah allows same-day registration, Otherwise, it must be completed seven days before election day if done online or 30 days before election day if done by mail.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to a convicted felon upon completion of their sentence.
Early: Utah allows no-excuse early voting.
Absentee voting: Utah allows absentee voting. Applications for absentee ballots by mail must be received by the county election board by the Thursday prior to election day. Completed absentee ballots must be postmarked by at least the day before the election.
Back to mapVermont
Identification: No ID is required to vote at the ballot box.
Voter registration: Same-day registration is allowed on election day with proof of residence, by mail if received by election day, or online by election day.
Felonies: Felons never lose their right to vote, even while incarcerated.
Early: No-excuse early voting starts 45 days before the election.
Absentee voting: No-excuse absentee voting is allowed.
Back to mapVirginia
Identification: Voters must present an acceptable form of photo ID.
Voter registration: Voters can register online, by mail, or in person.
Felonies: Currently, voters must request to have their rights restored by the governor.
Early: Virginia voters can vote using an absentee ballot.
Absentee voting: Voters must apply for an absentee ballot by mail or online.
Back to mapWashington
Identification: All elections are now held by mail in Washington, but some voting centers must be open on election day. Voters must bring a photo ID to vote in person or vote by provisional ballot that will be checked against the voter registration record.
Voter registration: Citizens obtaining a driver's license or identification card are automatically registered.
Felonies: Voting rights are automatically restored after the completion of a sentence, but voters must re-register after completing their time in custody.
Early: Washington’s mail-in voting system eliminates the need for early voting.
Absentee voting: Washington’s mail-in voting system eliminates the need for absentee voting.
Back to mapWest Virginia
Identification: Voters must present a valid form of either photo or non-photo ID, or be accompanied by a person or poll worker who can vouch for their identity.
Voter registration: Voters must register 21 days before the election in person, online, or by mail.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored to felons who have completed their sentences, including parole and probation.
Early: West Virginia voters can vote early.
Absentee voting: The state allows absentee voting with a valid excuse up to six days before each election.
Back to mapWisconsin
Identification: Voters must show an acceptable photo ID to receive a ballot for all elections.
Voter registration: Voters can register in person at their polling place on election day. They can also register online, via mail, or at their municipal location.
Felonies: Voting rights are restored automatically, but convicted felons must re-register to vote.
Early: No-excuse early voting begins 15 days before the election and ends four days before election day.
Absentee voting: Wisconsin allows no-excuse absentee voting via mail.
Back to mapWyoming
Identification: No ID is required to vote at the ballot box.
Voter registration: The state allows same-day registration at the precinct. Residents can also register by mail up to 14 days before election day, or in person.
Felonies: Voting rights are automatically restored to first-time non-violent felony offenders and individuals who have completed their sentences. All others must apply to the governor.
Early: Early voting starts 40 days before election day and ends the day before election day.
Absentee voting: Absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk no later than 7pm on election day.
Back to mapWashington DC
Identification: No ID is required to vote at the ballot box.
Voter registration: Voters can register on election day at the polls, or earlier via mail, online or in person. Automatic registration is also available for new drivers.
Felonies: Voting rights are automatically restored after a sentence is served.
Early: DC allows no-excuse early voting, which begins 15 days before and ends one day before election day.
Absentee voting: No-excuse absentee voting is available up to seven days before an election.
Back to map
