Voter ID in South Carolina

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South Carolina requires voters to present photo identification (ID) while voting. Accepted forms of ID include a valid South Carolina driver's license, South Carolina concealed weapons permit, and U.S. passport. For a list of all accepted forms of ID, see below.

Note: This page covers identification requirements for those who are already registered to vote. Documents required for voter registration may differ.

Voter ID law

South Carolina's voter ID requirements are outlined in Section 7-13-710 of state law. The law states, "When a person presents himself to vote, he shall produce a valid and current: (1) South Carolina driver's license; or (2) other form of identification containing a photograph issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles." To view the full text of the law, click here.

Forms of accepted ID

South Carolina requires voters to present photo identification while voting.[1][2]

Voters can present the following forms of identification:

  • SC Driver’s License
  • SC Department of Motor Vehicles ID Card
    • includes SC Concealed Weapons Permit
  • SC Voter Registration Card with Photo
  • U.S. Passport
  • Federal Military ID
    • includes all Department of Defense Photo IDs and the Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Card

Voters can obtain a free photo ID from a local DMV office or a county elections office.[3]

All voters are required to present photo identification at the polls in South Carolina. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid SC driver's license or ID card, a photo voter registration card, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. military or veterans ID. Voters can get a free photo ID from their county voter registration office by providing their name, date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number.[4] Click here to learn more about the background of South Carolina's law.

As of April 2024, 35 states required voters to present identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day. Of these states, 24 required voters to present identification containing a photograph, and 11 accepted other forms of identification. The remaining 16 states did not require voters to present identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day.

Valid forms of identification differ by state. In certain states that require voters to provide identification, there may be exceptions that allow some voters to cast a ballot without providing an ID. To see more about these exceptions, see details by state. Commonly accepted forms of ID include driver's licenses, state-issued identification cards, and military identification cards.

Provisional balloting for voters without ID

A voter without the required photo identification may cast a provisional ballot by signing an affidavit stating that he or she has "a reasonable impediment to obtaining a photo ID." For more information about provisional ballots, see below.[1]

Provisional ballot rules

Voters in South Carolina are given provisional ballots, or ballots requiring additional steps or information before they can be counted, under the following circumstances. (South Carolina refers to provisional voting as failsafe voting.)[4][5]

(1) If the voter moves from one address to another within the same precinct, the voter has the right to cast a provisional ballot.

  • The voter "may vote a full ballot at the precinct after completing a change of address form."

(2) If the voter moves from one precinct to another within the same county, the voter has the right to cast a provisional ballot.

  • The voter "can go to previous polling place and vote a limited, failsafe ballot containing only federal, statewide, and countywide offices. The voter's updated address is recorded on failsafe ballot envelope." The voter can also go to the "registration office, complete a change of address form, and vote a full ballot."

(3) If the voter moves from one South Carolina county to another within 30 days of an election, the voter has the right to cast a provisional ballot.

  • The voter can "go to polling place in previous county of residence and vote a limited, failsafe ballot containing only federal, statewide, and countywide offices. The voter's updated address is recorded on failsafe ballot envelope." The voter can also go to the "registration office in current county of residence, complete a change of address form, and vote a full ballot."

(4) If the voter moves from one state to another after the deadline to register to vote in a presidential election in the new state of residence.

  • The voter "may vote an absentee ballot containing only President. The voter should contact the appropriate absentee voting office in his previous state and county of residence."

According to the South Carolina Election Commission, failsafe voting also applies to municipal elections, with one exception: A voter must have resided within the municipality for 30 days or more prior to the election to be eligible to vote. So if a voter has moved from outside a specific municipality to inside that municipality and the move occurred after the 30 day mark; failsafe does not apply.[4][5]

Was your provisional ballot counted?

A provisional ballot is rejected when the voter votes in the wrong precinct, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.[5]

Use the MyscVOTES website to check the status of your provisional ballot.

Local election officials

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Do you need information about elections in your area? Are you looking for your local election official? Click here to visit the U.S. Vote Foundation and use their election official lookup tool.

Primary election type

See also: Primary elections in South Carolina

A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. South Carolina utilizes an open primary system, in which registered voters do not have to be members of a party to vote in that party's primary. Voters must take an oath affirming that they have not voted in another party's primary.[6][7][8][9]

For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.

Time off work for voting

Ballotpedia did not find a law specifying whether voters must be given time off from work to vote in this state. Nolo.com notes that states without such state laws may have administrative regulations or local ordinances pertaining to time off for voting and suggests calling your local board of elections or state labor department for more information.[10]

If you know of a relevant policy in this state, please email us. As of 2020, 28 states had laws requiring employers to provide time off for voting under certain conditions.

Voting rules for people convicted of a felony

See also: Voting rights for people convicted of a felony

In South Carolina, voting rights are restored to people convicted of a felony upon the completion of their sentence, including probation and parole.[11]

Voting rights for people convicted of a felony vary from state to state. In the majority of states, people convicted of a felony cannot vote while they are incarcerated but may regain the right to vote upon release from prison or at some point thereafter.[6]

Voter list maintenance

All states have rules under which they maintain voter rolls—or, check and remove certain names from their lists of registered voters. Most states are subject to the parameters set by The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA).[12] The NVRA requires states to make efforts to remove deceased individuals and individuals who have become ineligible due to a change of address. It prohibits removing registrants from voter lists within 90 days of a federal election due to change of address unless a registrant has requested to be removed, or from removing people from voter lists solely because they have not voted. The NVRA says that states may remove names from their registration lists under certain other circumstances and that their methods for removing names must be uniform and nondiscriminatory.[13]

When names can be removed from the voter list

South Carolina law authorizes election officials to remove the names of voters from the registered voting list if an individual:[14][15]

  • is adjudicated mentally incompetent
  • is imprisoned due to being found guilty of a crime
  • is convicted of a felony or an election law offense
  • confirms in writing that they have moved outside of their voting jurisdiction
  • dies
  • remains in inactive status through two consecutive general elections.

Inactive voter list rules

County boards of elections are required to send a notice of status to each registered voter. If a notice is returned as undeliverable, county election officials are to notify the State Election Commission, which places the voter on an inactive list. If the voter fails to respond to additional notices and does not vote in two consecutive general elections, the voter is removed from the registration list.[16]

The Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)

See also: Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)

According to its website, ERIC is a nonprofit corporation that is governed by a board of member-states. These member states submit voter registration and motor vehicle registration information to ERIC. ERIC uses this information, as well as Social Security death records and other sources, to provide member states with reports showing voters who have moved within their state, moved out of their state, died, have duplicate registrations in their state, or are potentially eligible to vote but are not yet registered. ERIC's website describes its funding as follows: "Members fund ERIC. New members pay a one-time membership fee of $25,000, which is reserved for technology upgrades and other unanticipated expenses. Members also pay annual dues. Annual dues cover operating costs and are based, in part, on the citizen voting age population in each state."[17]

By 2022, 33 states and the District of Columbia had joined ERIC. As of May 2024, 24 states and the District of Columbia were members in the ERIC program.[18]

As of April 2023, South Carolina was participating in the ERIC program.

Post-election auditing

South Carolina state law requires post-election audits. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, "The audit process compares the tabulated results of the election with the raw data collected in the electronic audit files by each voting machine on a flash card." The election commission "developed a series of computer applications that compare the tabulated returns reports with the raw audit data." Discrepancies are listed in a report. The first audit is conducted before the county certifies the election, and second audit is conducted before the election is certified.[19]

Post-election audits check that election results tallied by a state's voting system match results from paper records, such as paper ballots filled out by voters or the paper records produced by electronic voting machines. Post-election audits are classified into two categories: audits of election results—which include traditional post-election audits as well as risk-limiting audits—and procedural audits.[20][21]

Typically, traditional post-election audits are done by recounting a portion of ballots, either electronically or by hand, and comparing the results to those produced by the state's voting system. In contrast, risk-limiting audits use statistical methods to compare a random sample of votes cast to election results instead of reviewing every ballot. The scope of procedural audits varies by state, but they typically include a systematic review of voting equipment, performance of the voting system, vote totals, duties of election officials and workers, ballot chain of custody, and more.

As of July 2024, 41 states and the District of Columbia required some form of post-election audit. Of these, 36 states and the District of Columbia required traditional post-election audits, three states required risk-limiting post-election audits, and two states required procedural post-election audits.[22]


Election policy ballot measures

See also: Elections and campaigns on the ballot and List of South Carolina ballot measures

Ballotpedia has tracked the following ballot measures relating to election and campaign policy in South Carolina.

  1. South Carolina Referendum 2C, Voting Eligibility of 18-Year-Olds (1996)
  2. South Carolina Referendum 3, Voting Precinct for Those Who Have Moved (1996)
  3. South Carolina Referendum 2B, Convicted Felons May Not Serve in Elective Office (1996)
  4. South Carolina Gubernatorial Elections, Amendment 1 (2012)
  5. South Carolina Appointment of Adjutant General, Amendment 2 (2014)
  6. South Carolina Elector Requirements, Amendment 1 (1970)
  7. South Carolina Register to Vote Qualifications, Amendment 2 (1970)
  8. South Carolina Amendment 1, Appointed Superintendent of Education Measure (2018)

Recent legislation related to election administration in South Carolina

The table below lists bills related to election administration that have been introduced during (or carried over to) the current legislative session in South Carolina. The following information is included for each bill:

  • State
  • Bill number
  • Official name or caption
  • Most recent action date
  • Legislative status
  • Topics dealt with by the bill

Bills are organized alphabetically, first by state and then by bill number. The table displays up to 100 results by default. To view additional results, use the arrows in the upper-right corner of the table. For more information about a particular bill, click the bill number. This will open a separate page with additional information.

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Ballot access

See also: Ballot access requirements for political candidates in South Carolina
A cardboard ballot box at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

In order to get on the ballot in South Carolina, a candidate for state or federal office must meet a variety of state-specific filing requirements and deadlines. These regulations, known as ballot access laws, determine whether a candidate or party will appear on an election ballot. These laws are set at the state level. A candidate must prepare to meet ballot access requirements well in advance of primaries, caucuses, and the general election.

There are three basic methods by which an individual may become a candidate for office in a state.

  1. An individual can seek the nomination of a state-recognized political party.
  2. An individual can run as an independent. Independent candidates often must petition in order to have their names printed on the general election ballot.
  3. An individual can run as a write-in candidate.

This article outlines the steps that prospective candidates for state-level and congressional office must take in order to run for office in South Carolina. For information about filing requirements for presidential candidates, see "Ballot access requirements for presidential candidates in South Carolina." Information about filing requirements for local-level offices is not available in this article (contact state election agencies for information about local candidate filing processes).

Redistricting

See also: Redistricting in South Carolina
"Gerrymandering"

Redistricting is the process by which new congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn. Each of South Carolina's seven United States Representatives and 170 state legislators are elected from political divisions called districts. United States Senators are not elected by districts, but by the states at large. District lines are redrawn every 10 years following completion of the United States census. The federal government stipulates that districts must have nearly equal populations and must not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity.[23][24][25][26]

South Carolina was apportioned 7 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives after the 2020 census, the same number it received after the 2010 census. Click here for more information about redistricting in South Carolina after the 2020 census.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Following the 2020 United States Census, South Carolina was apportioned seven congressional districts, which was unchanged from the number it had after the 2010 census.
  • South Carolina's House of Representatives is made up of 124 districts; South Carolina's State Senate is made up of 46 districts.
  • In South Carolina, congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by the state legislature.

    • State process

    See also: State-by-state redistricting procedures

    In South Carolina, congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by the state legislature. These lines are subject to veto by the governor.[27]

    South Carolina's legislative redistricting committees adopted redistricting guidelines in 2011. These guidelines recommend that all congressional and state legislative districts be contiguous and "attempt to preserve communities of interest and cores of incumbents' existing districts." Further, the guidelines suggest that districts should "adhere to county, municipal, and voting precinct boundary lines." These guidelines may modified by the legislature at its discretion.[27]


    Election administration agencies

    Election agencies

    Seal of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission
    See also: State election agencies

    Individuals seeking additional information about voting provisions in South Carolina can contact the following local, South Carolina, and federal agencies.

    South Carolina Voter Registration and Elections Offices

    Click here for a list

    South Carolina State Election Commission

    Physical Address: 1122 Lady Street, Suite 500
    Columbia, South Carolina 29201
    Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5987
    Columbia, South Carolina 29250-5987
    Phone: 803-734-9060
    Fax: 803-734-9366
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: https://scvotes.gov

    South Carolina State Ethics Commission

    201 Executive Center Drive, Suite 150
    Columbia, South Carolina 29210
    Phone: 803-253-4192
    Fax: 803-253-7539
    Email: https://ethics.sc.gov/about-us/contact-us
    Website: https://ethics.sc.gov

    U.S. Election Assistance Commission

    633 3rd Street NW, Suite 200
    Washington, DC 20001
    Phone: 301-563-3919
    Toll free: 1-866-747-1471
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: https://www.eac.gov


    Ballotpedia's election coverage

    Click the tiles below to navigate to 2024 election coverage, or use the map below:


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    See also

    Elections in South Carolina


    External links

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named voterfaq
    2. ↑ Justia, "SC Code § 7-13-710 (2022)," accessed May 2, 2023
    3. ↑ South Carolina Elections Commission, "FAQs for the 2024 General Election, accessed August 13, 2024
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named scvid
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 NCSL, "Provisional Ballots," August 13, 2024
    6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 NCSL,"State Primary Election Types," accessed October 25, 2019 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "ncsl" defined multiple times with different content
    7. ↑ FairVote,"Primaries," accessed October 25, 2019
    8. ↑ Ballotpedia research conducted December 26, 2013, through January 3, 2014, researching and analyzing various state websites and codes.
    9. ↑ South Carolina Election Commission',"Nomination by Political Party," accessed October 25, 2019
    10. ↑ NOLO, "Taking Time Off to Vote," accessed July 22, 2024
    11. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named SCEC
    12. ↑ As of May 2024, the Justice Department notes, "Six States (Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) are exempt from the NVRA because, on and after August 1, 1994, they either had no voter-registration requirements or had election-day voter registration at polling places with respect to elections for federal office."
    13. ↑ The United States Department of Justice, "The National Voter Registration Act of 1993," accessed May 29, 2024
    14. ↑ Justia, "SC Code § 7-5-340 (2022)," accessed May 2, 2023
    15. ↑ Justia, "SC Code § 7-5-350 (2022)," accessed May 2, 2023
    16. ↑ Justia, "SC Code § 7-5-330 (2022)," accessed May 2, 2023
    17. ↑ ERIC, "FAQ," accessed May 29, 2024
    18. ↑ ERIC, "Who We Are," accessed May 29, 2024
    19. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Post-Election Audits," September 22, 2022
    20. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Post-Election Audits," accessed July 23, 2024
    21. ↑ Election Assistance Commission, "Election Audits Across the United States," accessed August 22, 2024
    22. ↑ Ballotpedia research conducted in June 2023, researching and analyzing various state websites and codes.
    23. ↑ All About Redistricting, "Why does it matter?" accessed April 8, 2015
    24. ↑ Indy Week, "Cracked, stacked and packed: Initial redistricting maps met with skepticism and dismay," June 29, 2011
    25. ↑ The Atlantic, "How the Voting Rights Act Hurts Democrats and Minorities," June 17, 2013
    26. ↑ Redrawing the Lines, "The Role of Section 2 - Majority Minority Districts," accessed April 6, 2015
    27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 All About Redistricting, "South Carolina," accessed May 8, 2015
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    Provisional ballot rules

    Voters in South Carolina are given provisional ballots, or ballots requiring additional steps or information before they can be counted, under the following circumstances. (South Carolina refers to provisional voting as failsafe voting.)[1][2]

    (1) If the voter moves from one address to another within the same precinct, the voter has the right to cast a provisional ballot.

    • The voter "may vote a full ballot at the precinct after completing a change of address form."

    (2) If the voter moves from one precinct to another within the same county, the voter has the right to cast a provisional ballot.

    • The voter "can go to previous polling place and vote a limited, failsafe ballot containing only federal, statewide, and countywide offices. The voter's updated address is recorded on failsafe ballot envelope." The voter can also go to the "registration office, complete a change of address form, and vote a full ballot."

    (3) If the voter moves from one South Carolina county to another within 30 days of an election, the voter has the right to cast a provisional ballot.

    • The voter can "go to polling place in previous county of residence and vote a limited, failsafe ballot containing only federal, statewide, and countywide offices. The voter's updated address is recorded on failsafe ballot envelope." The voter can also go to the "registration office in current county of residence, complete a change of address form, and vote a full ballot."

    (4) If the voter moves from one state to another after the deadline to register to vote in a presidential election in the new state of residence.

    • The voter "may vote an absentee ballot containing only President. The voter should contact the appropriate absentee voting office in his previous state and county of residence."

    According to the South Carolina Election Commission, failsafe voting also applies to municipal elections, with one exception: A voter must have resided within the municipality for 30 days or more prior to the election to be eligible to vote. So if a voter has moved from outside a specific municipality to inside that municipality and the move occurred after the 30 day mark; failsafe does not apply.[1][2]

    Was your provisional ballot counted?

    A provisional ballot is rejected when the voter votes in the wrong precinct, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.[2]

    Use the MyscVOTES website to check the status of your provisional ballot.

    Background

    South Carolina’s photo identification law was first submitted for pre-clearance to the United States Department of Justice in 2011 and was denied. Though the state applied for reconsideration, it was again denied pre-clearance on June 29, 2012. South Carolina then took the law to court, and in October 2012, a panel of federal judges blocked the law for the 2012 general election. The judges ruled that, given the short time remaining before the election, the law put a burden on minority voters that violated the Voting Rights Act. However, the judges also said there was nothing inherently discriminatory about the law and that it could be utilized in elections after 2012. South Carolina’s photo ID law took effect January 1, 2013.[3][4]

    Local election officials

    U.S. Vote Foundation Logo.jpeg

    Do you need information about elections in your area? Are you looking for your local election official? Click here to visit the U.S. Vote Foundation and use their election official lookup tool.

    Voter ID laws by state

    See also: Voter identification laws by state

    As of April 2024, 35 states required voters to present identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day. Of these states, 24 required voters to present identification containing a photograph, and 11 accepted other forms of identification. The remaining 16 states did not require voters to present identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day.

    Valid forms of identification differ by state. In certain states that require voters to provide identification, there may be exceptions that allow some voters to cast a ballot without providing an ID. To see more about these exceptions, see details by state. Commonly accepted forms of ID include driver's licenses, state-issued identification cards, and military identification cards.

    In the map below, only states that require registered voters to present identification at the polls on Election Day are classified as states requiring identification. See the table below the map for more details. Follow the links provided for additional information about voter identification in each state.

    Several states that do not require identification generally require first-time voters to present identification at the polls. Other states that don't generally require identification may require it if the voter did not provide proper identification to register. Federal law requires newly registered voters to provide either a driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security Numbers at the time of registration. Many states that require identification allow voters to cast provisional ballots if they do not have the required identification. Hover over each state in the map below for more details.

    Voter ID laws in the United States
    State Summary Details Source
    Alabama Photo ID required Alabama requires voters to present photo ID while voting. A voter can obtain a free photo ID from the Alabama Secretary of State, a county registrar's office, or a mobile location, which changes daily. The mobile location schedule can be accessed here.[5][6] Link
    Alaska Non-photo ID required Voters in Alaska must present a valid form of identification at the polls. The identification does not have to include a photo. If an election official knows the identity of the voter, the official can waive the identification requirement unless it is a first-time voter who registered without providing identification.[7] Link
    Arizona Non-photo ID required In Arizona, a voter must present some form of identification at the polls. The identification does not necessarily need to include a photo. A voter can either present a photo ID that includes his or her name and registered address, or two forms of non-photo ID that include the voter's name and registered address. Link
    Arkansas Photo ID required Arkansas has a photo ID requirement for voting purposes. The identification must include the voter’s name and photograph. It must be issued by "the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the State of Arkansas."[8] Link
    California No ID required According to the Office of the California Secretary of State, "[i]n most cases, a California voter is not required to show identification to a polling place worker before casting a ballot." A voter may be asked to provide identification at the polls if it is his or her first time voting (this requirement applies if the individual registered by mail without providing a driver's license number, state identification number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number). Acceptable forms of identification include driver's licenses, utility bills, or any document sent by a government agency.[9] Link
    Colorado Non-photo ID required Colorado voters must provide a valid form of identification if they choose to vote in person. The identification does not have to include a photo. Voters may also need to return a photocopy of their ID with their ballots if they are voting by mail for the first time. Link
    Connecticut Non-photo ID required Voters in Connecticut must present some form of identification at the polls, though a photo is not required. First-time voters who registered by mail must present either valid photo ID or a current document such as a bill or check with their name and address when voting in elections with federal candidates. All other voters must present either a social security card or other ID showing either name and address, name and signature, or name and photo. Link
    D.C. No ID required D.C. does not require identification from most voters. The District of Columbia Board of Elections requires voters who submitted their voter registration application by mail or online without one of the following documents to present one the first time they vote: a copy of a government-issued photo ID showing name and address, a government-issued document showing name and address, or a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or paycheck showing name and address issued within the past 90 days. Link
    Delaware Non-photo ID required All Delaware voters are asked to provide identification at the polls. Valid identification includes a Delaware driver's license or state ID, a signed social security card, or another document that identifies the person by photo or signature. A photo is not required. Voters who do not present proof of identity can "sign an affidavit of affirmation that the voter is the person listed on the election district record," according to Delaware Code.[10] Link
    Florida Photo ID required Voters in Florida are required to present photo and signature identification on Election Day. If a voter's photo ID does not display their signature, they will need to supply a second form of identification that does.[11] Link
    Georgien Photo ID required Photo identification is required when voting in person or by mail/absentee in Georgia. Valid forms of ID include driver's licenses, state ID cards, tribal ID cards, United States passports, employee ID cards, military ID cards, and voter ID cards issued by county registration offices or the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Voters can obtain a free voter ID card from any county registrar's office or DDS office.[12] Link
    Hawaii No ID required Voters in Hawaii are generally not required to present identification while voting. In 2019, the statute requiring voters to present identification if so requested by a precinct official was repealed.[13] Link
    Idaho Photo ID required In order to vote in Idaho, voters must present valid photo identification or sign an affidavit. Valid photo ID includes an Idaho driver's license or photo ID card, a U.S. passport or federal ID card, a tribal photo ID card, or an Idaho license to carry a concealed weapon. If a voter is unable to present an accepted ID, he or she is allowed to sign a personal identification affidavit swearing to his or her identity. After signing the affidavit, the voter is issued a regular ballot.[14] Link
    Illinois No ID required Illinois does not require voters to present identification while voting, in most cases. First-time voters who registered by mail and did not submit their driver’s license number, state ID number, last four digits of their social security number, or other form of ID are required to present identification showing their name and address before voting.[15] Link
    Indiana Photo ID required Indiana law requires voters to present an Indiana or U.S. government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot at the polls on election day. The ID must either be current or have expired sometime after the date of the last general election. Certain voters can claim exemption from the law. If a voter does not have an accepted form of ID, he or she can obtain a free Indiana ID card from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.[16] Link
    Iowa Non-photo ID required Iowa requires voters to present identification while voting. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain one for free by mail. Voters who do not have an accepted form of photo ID may have another voter vouch for their identity or they can provide a combination of other documents to verify their identity and residence. Link
    Kansas Photo ID required In order to vote on Election Day in Kansas, a valid form of photo identification is required. A photo ID does not need to have an expiration date, but, if it does have an expiration date, it must not have expired at the time of voting. If the voter is over the age of 65, he or she can use an expired ID. Some voters are exempt from the photo ID requirement. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain one for free through the Division of Vehicles, Kansas Department of Revenue. Link
    Kentucky Photo ID required Voters in Kentucky are required to present identification before voting. Valid identification includes photo and non-photo identification. Election officers can also confirm the identity of a voter by personal acquaintance.[17] Link
    Louisiana Photo ID required A Louisiana voter must present one of the following forms of identification at the polls: a driver's license, a Louisiana special ID, or another generally recognized photo ID that contains the voter's name and signature. If a photo ID is not presented, the voter must sign an affidavit. Voters who sign affidavits may be challenged. Registered voters can bring their voter information card to the Office of Motor Vehicles to receive a free Louisiana special identification card.[18] Link
    Maine No ID required A voter in Maine does not have to present identification at the polls unless he or she is registering on Election Day. In that case, the voter must present identification and proof of residence.[19] Link
    Maryland No ID required Most voters in Maryland do not have to present identification on Election Day. Only first-time voters who registered by mail and did not provide a valid form of identification, voters whose identities are challenged, and voters registering or changing their address during early voting are required to present identification at the polls on Election Day in Maryland.[20] Link
    Massachusetts No ID required Most voters in Massachusetts are not required to present identification at the polls. However, first-time voters in federal elections, inactive voters, voters casting provisional ballots, and voters who are asked by a poll worker to provide ID due to reasonable suspicion are required to do so. Valid forms of identification include both photo and non-photo identification.[21] Link
    Michigan Photo ID required Each voter in Michigan is asked to present photo identification at the polls. Voters without photo identification may sign an affidavit attesting that they are not in possession of acceptable photo identification and still cast a regular ballot.[22] Link
    Minnesota No ID required Identification is not required of already-registered voters in Minnesota. If they have not voted in four years or more, proof of residence is required.[23] Link
    Mississippi Photo ID required Mississippi voters are required to present photo identification in order to vote in person. Accepted forms include a driver's license, U.S. passport, or photo ID issued by a branch or department of the state. Voters can obtain a Mississippi Voter Identification Card for free at any circuit clerk’s office in the state.[24] Link
    Missouri Photo ID required Missouri requires voters to present photo identification (ID) while voting. Accepted forms of identification include a current Missouri driver's license or non-driver's license, a current military ID, a current U.S. passport, and "another photo ID issued by the United States or the state of Missouri." Link
    Montana Photo ID required A voter in Montana is required to present photo identification when appearing to vote. Accepted forms of identification include a valid driver's license, a U.S. passport, and a Montana concealed-carry permit.[25] Link
    Nebraska Photo ID required Nebraska requires voters to present identification while voting. Initiative 432, approved by Nebraska voters in November 2022, amended Article I of the state constitution to require voters to present valid photo identification in order to vote. Governor Jim Pillen (R) signed Legislative Bill 514 into law on June 1, 2023, in order to implement this policy change. Due to this legislation, Nebraska's voter ID requirement went into effect on April 1, 2024, in time for the state's 2024 primary.[26][27] Link
    Nevada No ID required Nevada does not require voters to present identification while voting in most cases. A voter in Nevada must sign his or her name in the election board register at his or her polling place. The signature is compared with the signature on the voter's original application to vote or another form of identification, such as a driver's license, a state identification card, military identification, or another government-issued ID.[28][29] Link
    New Hampshire Photo ID required Voters in New Hampshire must present photo identification at the polls. If a voter is unable to present a valid form of identification, a poll worker will take a photo of the voter and attach it to an affidavit, which must be signed by the voter. Exceptions are provided for those who object to being photographed for religious reasons. Additionally, a poll worker may verify the voter’s identity.[30][31][32] Link
    New Jersey No ID required If a New Jersey voter does not provide valid identification at the time of registration, he or she must show identification at the polling place. Identification includes any valid photo ID or bank statement, car registration, government check, or another document.[33] Link
    New Mexico No ID required New Mexico law states that a voter must show identification at the polls only if he or she mailed his or her registration application and did not provide verification of his or her identity at that time. Valid forms of identification include photo and non-photo forms. Some municipalities require identification when voting in local elections.[34] Link
    New York No ID required In New York, a voter does not have to present identification at the polls. However, if a voter does not provide valid identification at the time of registration, he or she must show identification at the polling place when voting for the first time.[35][36] Link
    North Carolina Photo ID required According to the Board of Elections website, "On April 28, 2023, the North Carolina Supreme Court reversed an injunction against implementation of photo ID legislation. As a result, photo ID laws enacted in 2018 and 2019 are being implemented, starting with the municipal elections in September, October, and November 2023. A separate federal case challenging the same laws is pending, but no injunction against the laws exists in that case." The injunction was issued on December 16, 2022. Link
    North Dakota Nonphoto ID required North Dakota requires voters to present identification while voting. Identification must include the voter’s name, current North Dakota residential address, and date of birth. If a voter does not have a form of identification that includes his or her current North Dakota residential address or date of birth, the voter can present accepted supplemental documents. Voters who cast absentee/mail-in ballots must include a valid form of identification with their ballot. Link
    Ohio Photo ID required On election day at the polling place, Ohio law requires voters to provide photo identification. If voters are unable to present a valid form of identification, they can cast a provisional ballot.[37] Link
    Oklahoma Photo ID required Oklahoma requires voters to present identification while voting. Valid forms of identification include government-issued photo IDs and county election board voter identification cards (which do not include photographs). Voters can present a document issued by the United States government, the State of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized tribal government that includes their name, photo, and an expiration date after the election date. Link
    Oregon No ID required Oregon is an all-mail voting state. When registering to vote, voters must provide their driver's license number or state ID card number. If voters can not provide this information, they can print and sign a online voter registration form and mail it to their county election office to complete their registration.[38] Link
    Pennsylvania No ID required Pennsylvania does not require voters to present identification while voting in most cases. However, first-time voters must show identification. Accepted forms include both photo and non-photo ID. Link
    Rhode Island Photo ID required Photo identification is required at the polls in Rhode Island. Accepted IDs include a Rhode Island driver's license or permit, a U.S. passport, cards issued by any federally recognized tribal government, and cards issued by U.S. educational institutions. Voters without a photo ID can obtain one for free from the Rhode Island Department of State.[39] Link
    South Carolina Photo ID required

    All voters are required to present photo identification at the polls in South Carolina. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid SC driver's license or ID card, a photo voter registration card, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. military or veterans ID. Voters can get a free photo ID from their county voter registration office by providing their name, date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number.[1]

    		Link
    South Dakota Photo ID required All voters in South Dakota must present photo identification at the polls. Approved forms of photo identification include the following: South Dakota driver’s license or nondriver ID card, U.S. government photo ID, U.S. military ID, student photo ID from a South Dakota high school or accredited institution of higher education, or tribal photo ID. If a voter does not have a photo ID, he or she can sign a personal identification affidavit.[40] Link
    Tennessee Photo ID required

    In Tennessee, voters must present government-issued photo identification at the polls. Some voters are exempt from ID requirements. Voters can obtain a free photo ID from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security at any participating driver service center. In order to receive an ID, a voter must bring proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and two proofs of Tennessee residency.[41]

    		Link
    Texas Photo ID required Texas requires voters to present a form of photo identification at the polls. If a voter does not possess the required form of identification, poll workers must ask the voter whether he or she "cannot obtain an acceptable form of photo ID." If the voter answers "yes" to this question, he or she can present a non-photo form of identification and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. Upon doing so, the voter may cast a regular ballot. Some voters are exempt from the ID requirement. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain a Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at any Texas driver’s license office. Link
    Utah Nonphoto ID required Utah is an all-mail voting state that offers vote centers for voters that choose to vote in person. A voter who wishes to vote in-person must present some form of identification at the polls. The identification does not necessarily need to include a photo. A voter can either present a photo ID that includes his or her name and registered address; a tribal identification card, Bureau of Indian Affairs card, or tribal treaty card; or two forms of non-photo ID that include the voter's name and provide evidence that the voter resides in the voting precinct.[42] Link
    Vermont No ID required Only first-time voters who registered by mail are required to present identification at the polls.[43] Link
    Virginia Nonphoto ID required Voters in Virginia must present non-photo identification at the polls. Valid identification includes the following: voter registration confirmation documents; valid Virginia driver's license; valid United States passport; any other identification issued by the Commonwealth, one of its political subdivisions, or the United States; any valid student identification card issued by any institution of higher education located in the Commonwealth or any private school located in the Commonwealth; any valid student identification card issued by any institution of higher education located in any other state or territory of the United States; any valid employee identification card containing a photograph of the voter and issued by an employer of the voter in the ordinary course of the employer's business; a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter. Link
    Washington No ID required Washington is an all-mail voting state and does not require voters to present photo identification (ID). Voters may choose to vote in person at a local voting center. According to state law, “The county auditor shall require any person desiring to vote at a voting center to either sign a ballot declaration or provide identification.”[44] Link
    West Virginia Nonphoto ID required A voter in West Virginia is required to present identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued IDs (both those with and without photographs), bank cards, bank statements, and insurance cards. The voter may also be identified by a poll worker or other adult they have known for at least six months. Voters can obtain a free voter ID card at their county clerk’s office.[45] Link
    Wisconsin Photo ID required Voters in Wisconsin are required to present photo identification at the polls. Accepted forms include Wisconsin Department of Transportation-issued driver's licenses, identification cards, and receipts, as well as military IDs and U.S. passports. Certain voters are exempt from ID requirements. Voters can obtain a free Wisconsin State ID Card at a Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles office.[46] Link
    Wyoming Nonphoto ID required Wyoming requires voters to present identification at the polls.[47] Link

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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named scvid
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 NCSL, "Provisional Ballots," August 13, 2024
    3. ↑ BrennanCenter.org, "South Carolina v. Holder, Opinion," October 10, 2012
    4. ↑ BrennanCenter.org, "South Carolina v. Holder," October 15, 2012
    5. ↑ AL.com, "Alabama photo voter ID law to be used in 2014, state officials say," June 25, 2013
    6. ↑ Alabama Secretary of State Website, "Alabama Photo Voter Identification," accessed March 1, 2023
    7. ↑ Alaska State Legislature, "Alaska Statutes 2018 Sec. 15.15.225 Voter identification at polls," accessed July 15, 2024
    8. ↑ Arkansas Secretary of State, "Voter Registration Information," accessed July 29, 2024
    9. ↑ California Secretary of State, "What to Bring to Your Polling Place," accessed August 12, 2024
    10. ↑ Delaware.gov, "Voting in Delaware," accessed July 22, 2024
    11. ↑ Florida Division of Elections, "Election Day Voting," accessed April 10, 2023
    12. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Georgia Voter Identification Requirements," accessed April 12, 2023
    13. ↑ Hawaii Revised Statutes Annotated, "§ 11-136," accessed September 13, 2022
    14. ↑ Idaho Secretary of State's Office - Vote Idaho, "Guide to Voting in Person," accessed July 30, 2024
    15. ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "Illinois Voter Information," June 16, 2015
    16. ↑ Indiana Election Division, "Photo ID Law," accessed June 10, 2014
    17. ↑ Kentucky State Board of Elections, "Election Day Information," accessed April 26, 2023
    18. ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State, "FAQ: Voting on Election Day," accessed August 15, 2024
    19. ↑ Maine Secretary of State, "Your Right to Vote in Maine," accessed April 15, 2023
    20. ↑ Maryland State Board of Elections, "General Requirements of the Act," accessed June 10, 2014
    21. ↑ Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Identification Requirements," accessed April 13, 2023
    22. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "A Guide to Voter Identification at the Polls," accessed April 17, 2023
    23. ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "Do I Need to Bring ID?" accessed October 3, 2019
    24. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named mvid
    25. ↑ Montana Legislature, "SB169," accessed August 18, 2024
    26. ↑ Nebraska Secretary of State, "Full text," accessed June 8, 2023
    27. ↑ Nebraska Secretary of State, "Election Day FAQ," accessed June 8, 2023
    28. ↑ Nevada Secretary of State, "Election Frequently Asked Questions," accessed June 10, 2014
    29. ↑ Nevada State Legislature, "Title 24 - Elections," accessed January 20, 2015
    30. ↑ Valley News, "Voter ID Compromise, Medical Marijuana Approved in N.H.," June 27, 2013
    31. ↑ Sentinel Source, "Voters without ID will take Polaroids at Keene polls," October 5, 2015
    32. ↑ New Hampshire Secretary of State, "Voter Identification Law," accessed June 24, 2024
    33. ↑ New Jersey Department of State, "Voting Information," accessed August 22, 2024
    34. ↑ New Mexico Secretary of State, "Voter FAQs," accessed June 10, 2014
    35. ↑ FindLaw, "New York Consolidated Laws, Election Law - ELN § 5-210. Registration and enrollment and change of enrollment upon application," accessed November 12, 2019
    36. ↑ FindLaw, "New York Consolidated Laws, Election Law - ELN § 8-302. Voting;  verification of registration," accessed November 12, 2019
    37. ↑ Ohio Secretary of State, "Identification Requirements," accessed April 6, 2023
    38. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named votegen
    39. ↑ Rhode Island Secretary of State, "Vote on Election Day," accessed April 18, 2023
    40. ↑ DMV.org, "Voter Registration in South Dakota," accessed June 10, 2014
    41. ↑ Tennesse Secretary of State, "What ID is required when voting?" accessed October 7, 2019
    42. ↑ Salt Lake County Clerk, “Election Day Vote Centers,” accessed April 24, 2023
    43. ↑ Vermont Secretary of State, "Election Day FAQs," accessed April 20, 2023
    44. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named waleg
    45. ↑ West Virginia State Legislature, "West Virginia Code, §3-1-34. Voting procedures generally; identification; assistance to voters; voting records; penalties." accessed October 6, 2019
    46. ↑ Wisconsin Department of Transportation, "Wisconsin ID card for voting purposes - petition process," accessed May 4, 2023
    47. ↑ Wyoming Legislature, "HB0075 - Voter identification," accessed April 13, 2021
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