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Arguments for and against voter identification laws

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Voter identification laws require voters to present some form of identification in order to vote at the polls.

Whether states should require voters to show identification before voting is a subject of debate.

Supporters of requiring voter identification laws argue that it is needed to prevent voter fraud, it does not decrease voter turnout, and it is popular with voters.
Opponents of requiring voter identification laws argue that they are burdensome for many voters and target minorities. Opponents of requiring voter identification also argue that in-person voter fraud is rare.


Thirty-six states require voters to present identification in order to vote at the polls on Election Day. Of these states, 24 require voters to present identification containing a photograph, and 12 accept other forms of identification. The remaining 14 states do 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, passports, and military identification cards.

On this page, you will find:

Arguments at a glance

This section includes quotes briefly summarizing some of the most prevalent arguments for and against voter identification laws.

Arguments for and against voter identification laws
SupportOpposition
"Voter ID laws can stop multiple types of fraud, such as impersonating another registered voter, preventing noncitizens from voting, and stopping out-of-state residents or someone registered in multiple jurisdictions. ... That’s one reason why voters across all demographics support voter ID laws in virtually every poll by almost 80%. This typically includes more than 60% of Democrats ... according to a poll conducted by the Honest Elections Project."[1]

- Fred Lucas, The Heritage Foundation (2023)
"Overly burdensome photo ID laws deprive many voters of their right to vote, reduce participation, and stand in direct opposition to our country’s trend of including more Americans in the democratic process. Many Americans do not have one of the forms of government-issued photo identification that state laws list as acceptable for voting. These voters are disproportionately low-income, racial and ethnic minorities, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Such voters more frequently cannot afford or cannot obtain the underlying documents that are a prerequisite to obtaining government-issued photo ID card."[2]

- ACLU (2021)


Support arguments in detail

Four arguments in favor of requiring voter identification are that it is needed to prevent voter fraud, it does not decrease voter turnout, it is popular with voters, and it is a practice that is used in many countries around the world. This section includes quotations detailing those arguments from a variety of sources.

Claim: Voter identification is needed to prevent voter fraud

The Repair the Vote PAC filed a measure with the Nevada Secretary of State on December 7, 2023, requesting to add the Nevada Voter Identification Amendment to the ballot in 2024. The measure would amend the state's constitution to require photo identification in order to vote.[3]

According to its website, the Repair the Vote PAC says it is a group of Nevada citizens whose "mission is to repair the voting process in Nevada."[3]

Every citizen needs faith that the election process is fair and accurate. A big part of that is to verify the identity of every voter, just as companies verify the identity of the person getting on an aircraft, checking in at a hotel, or cashing a check at a bank. When voters lose faith in the process that drives elections, they also lose faith in the outcome and in the legitimacy of those declared the winners.[4]

—Repair the Vote (2023)[3]


Claim: Requiring voter identification does not create barriers to voter turnout

In a 2025 report for the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, Will Flanders, the group's research director, argued that turnout in Wisconsin elections, notably in areas with a large minority population, had not been impacted by Wisconsin's voter ID law.[5] The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty's website states that it is "the most active and influential free market policy organization in the state of Wisconsin."[6]

Some might also argue that turnout increased despite voter ID laws due to elections that seem more important to the general public or increased get-out-the-vote efforts. This paper cannot fully address those claims. But those potential mitigating factors are an argument in favor of voter ID laws: if we can increase faith in elections by having these laws while also undertaking mitigation efforts to eliminate negative turnout effects, it seems like a win-win.


While concerns about voter suppression exist and are important to consider, they should be tested empirically rather than assumed. Researching the effects of voter ID laws is undoubtedly hard because any impacts will be on the margins. But when it comes to whether the state constitution should be amended to enshrine voter ID laws, this research is compelling evidence to counter the narrative that such provisions are discriminatory or result in disenfranchisement.[4]

—Will Flanders, Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty[5]

Claim: Requiring voter identification is popular with voters

In a 2026 op-ed in the Los Angeles Times, Jonah Goldberg argued that public polling consistently favors the adoption of voter ID laws.[7]

Americans — including large majorities of Democrats — have favored voter ID for decades. Since long before anyone dreamed Donald Trump would run for president, never mind get elected, the idea has been wildly popular. In 2006, 80% of Americans favored showing proof of ID when voting. The lowest support over the last two decades, according to Pew, was in 2012 when a mere 77% of Americans, including 61% of Democrats favored voter ID. Last August, Pew found that 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats favored having to provide government-issued ID when voting.[4]
—Jonah Goldberg[7]

Claim: Countries globally have adopted voter ID laws

In a 2026 post on Real Clear Politics, John R. Lott Jr. argued that the U.S. is an outlier globally in not requiring voter ID nationally.[8] Lott served as a senior advisor for research and statistics in the Office of Justice Programs and the Office of Legal Policy in the U.S. Department of Justice.[9]

Democrats argue that requiring free voter photo IDs - even when the ID itself costs nothing - harms eligible voters by creating practical barriers to casting a ballot. They contend that blacks would be especially hard hit. Interestingly, every country in Africa requires government-issued identification to vote.


They also argue that such requirements would disenfranchise Hispanic voters. Yet Mexico, all twelve South American countries, and Spain require government-issued photo IDs to vote.

All of these countries have lower per-capita incomes than the United States. If citizens in those nations can obtain the necessary identification to vote, why would American Hispanics and blacks be unable to do the same?[4]

—John R. Lott Jr.[8]

Opposition arguments in detail

Four arguments against requiring voter identification are that they are burdensome for many voters, target minorities, and reduce voter turnout. Opponents of requiring voter identification also argue that in-person voter fraud is rare. This section includes quotations detailing those arguments from a variety of sources.

Claim: Voter identification laws are a burden for many voters

In a 2023 blog post, Democracy Docket writer Devon Hesano argued that many Americans face barriers to obtaining identification that can be used to vote.[10] Democracy Docket's website says it is "the leading digital news and information platform covering voting rights, elections, and the courts — from an unapologetically pro-democracy standpoint."[11]

Reasons an individual might need to change or update their IDs include changing name or citizenship status, updating gender, having an expired ID or moving. Nearly 42 million people moved locations in 2021.


When these updates are needed, Americans are forced down an often long, winding and confusing process. In order to obtain or update new or existing IDs, individuals must present a significant array of other identification documents. As a result, the process can often be circular, with Americans struggling to possess one piece of documentation that can then snowball and block individuals from even getting IDs in the first place.[4]

—Devon Hesano[10]

Claim: Voter identification laws harm voter turnout

In a 2025 blog post, Democracy Docket writer Yunior Rivas argued that voter ID laws have harmed voter turnout in some states that have adopted them.

Strict voter ID laws also cause measurable declines in turnout. In Kansas and Tennessee, voter turnout dropped by up to 2.2% after strict ID laws took effect in 2012, with the steepest declines among young, Black and newly registered voters. In competitive elections, a 2–3% suppression of turnout can change outcomes, and indeed partisan operatives have acknowledged that such laws are often pursued for political advantage.


In other words, for many proponents of voter ID, the laws don’t solve the problem of voter fraud — they solve the “problem” of high turnout.[4]

—Yunior Rivas[12]

Claim: Voter identification laws target minorities

In a fact sheet on its website, the group Indivisible argued that voter ID laws are deliberately crafted to target minority voters. Indivisible's website says it is a progressive organization dedicated to resisting the Trump agenda.[13]

Much like poll taxes and literacy tests of the Jim Crow days, these laws are created to prevent specifically targeted populations from voting. Voter ID laws target eligible voters who are less likely to have IDs. Voter ID laws target eligible voters who are less likely to have IDs. In reality, this means these laws suppress the vote from elderly, low-income and voters of color:


  • 18 percent—or almost 6 million—citizens over the age of 65 do not have photo ID;
  • 16 percent of Latino voters do not have government-issued photo ID;
  • 25 percent of voting age African Americans—5.5 million people – do not have ID; and
  • 15 percent of voting age Americans who earn less than $35,000 do not have ID.


These are some of the people who are prevented from voting by voter ID laws.[4]

—Indivisible (2023)[14]

Claim: In-person voter fraud is rare

In a blog post for the League of Women Voters, Brady Horine, the organization's legislative and policy coordinator, argued that in-person voter fraud is rare in the United States. According to its website, the League of Women Voters says it is a "political grassroots network and membership organization working to empower voters and defend democracy."[15]

...time and time again, voter photo ID laws are proven to be ineffective tools to fight voter fraud — in the rare instances it does take place. While voter photo ID laws aim to prevent in-person voter impersonation, an almost non-existent form of voter fraud, other types of voter impersonation are similarly rare and not cause for significant concern. According to the Brennan Center, the rate of in-person voter impersonation is extremely low: only 0.00004% of all ballots cast. It’s worth noting that this rate is even significantly lower than other rare forms of voter fraud, such as absentee ballot fraud, which voter photo ID laws do not address.[4]

—Brady Horine, legislative and policy coordinator, League of Women Voters (2023)[16]


Laws by state

In the map below, states that require registered voters to present identification at the polls on Election Day or that require poll workers to request identification from a voter are classified as states requiring identification. Some of these states provide for exceptions to these requirements. 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. The federal Help America Vote Act requires that individuals in all 50 states who register to vote by mail and who have not voted previously in a federal election in their state must provide either their driver's license or a paycheck, bank statement, current utility bill, or government document showing their name and address. Individuals voting by mail must include a copy of one of those documents with their absentee/mail-in ballot.[17]

These requirements do not apply if an individual submitted a copy of their identification, their driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number when registering to vote.

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
StateSummaryDetailsExceptionsProvisional ballots for voters without ID?Source
AlabamaPhoto ID requiredAlabama requires voters to present photo ID while voting. Accepted forms of identification include driver's licenses, student ID cards, and military IDs. 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.[18][19]A voter who does not have a valid photo ID is permitted to vote if two election officials identify them as eligible to vote and sign an affidavit attesting to this fact.[20]YesLink
AlaskaNon-photo ID requiredVoters in Alaska must present a valid form of identification at the polls. Accepted forms of identification include driver's licenses, hunting or fishing licenses, or a current utility bill or paycheck, government check, bank statement, or other government-issued document with the voter's current address.[21]An election official may waive the voter ID requirement if the official knows the identity of the voter and the person is not a first-time voter who registered without providing identification.[22]YesLink
ArizonaNon-photo ID requiredIn 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.NoneYesLink
ArkansasPhoto ID requiredArkansas has a photo ID requirement for voting purposes. The identification must include the voter’s name and photograph and must be issued by "the United States, the State of Arkansas, or an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the State of Arkansas."[23]A voter who resides in a long-term care or residential care facility licensed by the state is not required to provide identification when voting but does need to prove they are a resident.[24]YesLink
CaliforniaNo ID requiredAccording 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," except as required by the Help America Vote Act.[25]No voter ID lawNoLink
ColoradoNon-photo ID requiredColorado voters must provide a valid form of identification if they choose to vote in person. The identification does not have to include a photo. Accepted forms of ID include driver's licenses, student ID cards, tribal ID cards, and U.S. passports.Individuals voting by mail do not need to provide identification.YesLink
ConnecticutNon-photo ID requiredVoters in Connecticut must present some form of identification at the polls, though a photo is not required. Acceptable forms of identification include a Social Security card or other ID showing either name and address, name and signature, or name and photo.A voter who does not present a required ID may sign an affidavit with their name, address, and date of birth, and then election officials may determine that the voter is eligible to vote.[26]YesLink
D.C.No ID requiredD.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.No voter ID lawYesLink
DelawareNon-photo ID requiredAll 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.[27]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.[28]NoLink
FloridaPhoto ID requiredVoters 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.[29]NoneYesLink
GeorgiaPhoto ID requiredVoters in Georgia must present photo ID when voting. Valid forms of ID include driver's licenses, state ID cards, tribal ID cards, United States passports, 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 Department of Driver Services office.[30]NoneYesLink
HawaiiNo ID requiredVoters in Hawaii are generally not required to present identification while voting, except for situations where identification is required by the Help America Vote Act.No voter ID lawYesLink
IdahoPhoto ID requiredIn order to vote in Idaho, voters must present valid photo identification. 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. Voters can obtain a free voter ID from a county DMV office.[31]Voters without identification may instead complete an affidavit.NoLink
IllinoisNo ID requiredIllinois does not require voters to present identification while voting, except for situations where it is required by the Help America Vote Act.[32]No voter ID lawYesLink
IndianaPhoto ID requiredIndiana requires voters to present an Indiana or U.S. government-issued photo ID when voting. The ID must either be current or have expired sometime after the date of the last general election. 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.[33]Individuals voting at a state-licensed care center do not have to provide ID. Voters who are indigent or who have a religious objection to being photographed may affirm an exemption to the ID requirement.[34]YesLink
IowaNon-photo ID requiredIowa requires voters to present identification while voting. Voters who do not have a valid ID can obtain one for free by mail. Accepted forms of identification include an Iowa driver's license, a voter identification card, or a U.S. passport. Voters who do not have one of these IDs may provide a combination of other documents to verify their identity and residence.If unable to provide an accepted form of ID, voters may instead have another registered voter attest to their identity.[35]YesLink
KansasPhoto ID requiredVoters in Kansas are required to present a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver's license, a concealed carry license, or a military identification document. 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. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain one for free through the Division of Vehicles.Military and overseas voters, those voting in mail ballot elections, voters on the permanent advance voting list, and any voter who objects to having his or her photo taken because of his or her religious beliefs are exempt from providing identification.[36]YesLink
KentuckyPhoto ID requiredVoters in Kentucky are required to present identification before voting. Valid forms of identification include photo IDs issued by the United States government, the state of Kentucky, the U.S. military, a local government in Kentucky, or a public or private institute of higher education.[37]If an election officer is a personal acquaintance of the voter, the voter does not have to produce identification if the officer signs an attestation form.[38]YesLink
LouisianaPhoto ID requiredA 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. Registered voters can bring their voter information card to the Office of Motor Vehicles to receive a free Louisiana special identification card.[39]Voters who do not have accepted ID may vote by completing a voter identification affidavit. By law, voters who sign an affidavit may be challenged.[40]NoLink
MaineNo ID requiredA voter in Maine does not have to present identification at the polls unless they are required to do so by the Help America Vote Act or are registering to vote on Election Day.[41]No voter ID lawNoLink
MarylandNo ID requiredMost voters in Maryland do not have to present identification on Election Day. Only voters affected by the Help America Vote Act, 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.[42]No voter ID lawYesLink
MassachusettsNo ID requiredMost voters in Massachusetts are not required to present identification at the polls. However, voters affected by the Help America Vote Act, 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.[43]No voter ID lawYesLink
MichiganPhoto ID requiredEach voter in Michigan is asked to present photo identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, personal identification card, U.S. passport, or photo ID from an educational institution.[44]A voter who does not have an acceptable form of identification can cast a ballot by signing an affidavit.[45]YesLink
MinnesotaNo ID requiredIdentification is not required of already-registered voters in Minnesota. If a voter is impacted by the Help America Vote Act, is registering to vote at the polls, or has not voted in four years or more, proof of residence is required.[46]No voter ID lawNoLink
MississippiPhoto ID requiredMississippi 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.Voters who have a religious objection to being photographed may vote a provisional ballot and sign a separate affidavit after the election. Voters who reside and vote at a state-licensed care facility do not need to show ID.[47]YesLink
MissouriPhoto ID requiredMissouri requires voters to present photo identification 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." Voters can obtain a free ID by filling out this form.NoneYesLink
MontanaPhoto ID requiredA 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, a Montana concealed-carry permit, or student photo identification card issued by the Montana university system or a school that is a member of the national association of intercollegiate athletics[48]NoneYesLink
NebraskaPhoto ID requiredNebraska requires voters to present photo identification while voting. Acceptable forms of identification include a Nebraska driver's license, Nebraska state ID, military ID, tribal ID, U.S. passport, and ID issued by a university or local government. Voters can obtain free state ID cards for voting through the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.Voters may complete a reasonable impediment certification if they have a religious objection to being photographed or are unable to obtain an ID due to a disability or illness or a lack of required documentation.[49]YesLink
NevadaNo ID requiredNevada does not require voters to present identification while voting unless it is mandated by the Help America Vote Act.[50]No voter ID lawYesLink
New HampshirePhoto ID requiredVoters in New Hampshire must present photo identification at the polls. Accepted forms of ID include a driver's license issued by any state, a valid student ID from a university in the state, and a U.S. passport.[51]A moderator or other election official of a town, ward or city can review the voter's qualifications and try to determine if their identity can be verified.[52]NoLink
New JerseyNo ID requiredNew Jersey does not generally require voters to present identification, except in situations where it is mandated by the Help America Vote Act[53]No voter ID lawYesLink
New MexicoNo ID requiredNew Mexico does not generally require identification to vote, except when it is required by the Help America Vote Act. Some municipalities require identification when voting in local elections.[54]No voter ID lawYesLink
New YorkNo ID requiredNew York does not generally require identification to vote, except in situations where it is required by the Help America Vote Act[55][56]No voter ID lawYesLink
North CarolinaPhoto ID requiredNorth Carolina requires voters to present photo identification while voting. Accepted forms of identification include a North Carolina driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, student ID, military or veterans ID card, and tribal enrollment card. Voters may obtain a free ID from their county board of elections or the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.Individuals with a reasonable impediment to showing photo ID, a religious objection to being photographed, or who were victims of a declared natural disaster may fill out an exception form instead of providing identification.[57]YesLink
North DakotaNon-photo ID requiredNorth 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.An absentee voter without an acceptable form of ID may use an attester. The attester must provide their name and ID number and sign the absentee ballot application.[58]YesLink
OhioPhoto ID requiredOhio law requires voters to provide photo identification. Acceptable forms of identification include an Ohio driver's license, an ID card, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. military ID card. Voters can obtain a free state ID card from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.[59]Voters who do not have a photo ID because of a religious objection to being photographed must fill out a provisional ballot and complete an affidavit of religious objection instead of providing ID.[60]YesLink
OklahomaNon-photo ID requiredOklahoma 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) that include their name, photo, and an expiration date after the election date.NoneYesLink
OregonNo ID requiredOregon 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 are unable to provide this information, they can provide a copy of another form of acceptable identification that shows their name and current address. Examples of an acceptable form of identification include a valid photo ID, paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement, or government document.No voter ID lawNoLink
PennsylvaniaNo ID requiredPennsylvania does not require voters to present identification while voting unless it is required by the Help America Vote Act.No voter ID lawYesLink
Rhode IslandPhoto ID requiredPhoto 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.[61]NoneYesLink
South CarolinaPhoto ID required Voters who have a reasonable impediment to obtaining a photo ID may bring their non-photo voter registration card to the polling place, fill out an affidavit and vote a provisional ballot. The ballot will count unless there is proof the person is lying about their identity or their impediment.[62]NoLink
South DakotaPhoto ID requiredAll 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.[63]Voters without a photo ID can sign a personal identification affidavit under penalty of perjury.[64]YesLink
TennesseePhoto ID required Individuals who live and vote at a licensed nursing home or assisted living center, and voters who are hospitalized, indigent, or who have a religious objection to being photographed are exempt from the photo ID requirement.YesLink
TexasPhoto ID requiredTexas requires voters to present a form of photo identification at the polls. Accepted forms of identification include a Texas driver's license or personal identification card, a state handgun license, or a U.S. military ID. Voters who do not have a photo ID can obtain a Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at any Texas driver’s license office.Voters may fill out a reasonable impediment declaration and present a non-photo ID. Voters who have a religious objection to being photographed and victims of a declared natural disaster may vote a provisional ballot and fill out an affidavit swearing to the exemption after the election.[66][67]YesLink
UtahNon-photo ID requiredFor elections occurring before Jan. 1, 2029, 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.[68]NoneYesLink
VermontNo ID requiredVermont does not generally require identification to vote, except in situations where it is required by the Help America Vote Act.[69]No voter ID lawNoLink
VirginiaNon-photo ID requiredVoters in Virginia must present non-photo identification at the polls. Valid identification includes voter registration confirmation documents, a valid Virginia driver's license, a valid United States passport, or 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.Voters who do not show an accepted form of identification may vote a regular ballot if they sign a statement affirming their identity.[70]YesLink
WashingtonNon-photo ID requiredWashington 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.”Individuals casting a ballot at a voting center can sign a ballot declaration instead of providing identification.[71]YesLink
West VirginiaPhoto ID requiredWest Virginia requires voters to present photo identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued IDs, student identification cards that include a photograph and are issued by a high school or institution of higher education in the state, military identifications that contain a photograph, and voter registration cards that include a photograph. Voters over the age of 65 may present an expired ID that is otherwise valid.[72][73][74]Residents who live and vote at a licensed state care facility do not have to provide identification. If a voter does not have identification, an adult who has known the person for at least six months may provide a signed, sworn statement verifying the voter's identity.[75]YesLink
WisconsinPhoto ID requiredVoters 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. Voters can obtain a free Wisconsin State ID Card at a Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles office.[76]Confidential electors do not have to provide ID. Active military and permanent overseas voters do not have to provide a photo ID when voting by absentee ballot. Indefinitely confined voters and voters in special care facilities can provide a witness signature on the absentee ballot envelope instead of showing ID.[77]YesLink
WyomingNon-photo ID requiredWyoming requires voters to present identification at the polls. Generally, voters are required to present a photo ID, but there are two exceptions to that requirement—Medicare or Medicaid cards—that expire in 2029. Voters without ID can obtain a free Wyoming identification card from their local Driver Services office.[78]NoneYesLink


See also

Footnotes

  1. The Heritage Foundation, "Voter ID Laws Are Popular for Good Reasons," January 17, 2023
  2. ACLU, "Oppose Voter ID Legislation - Fact Sheet," August 2021
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Repair the Vote, "Nevada voter ID law," accessed February 11, 2026]
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  5. 5.0 5.1 [https://will-law.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/VoterIDstudy71.pdf Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, "DOING THE MATH: How Voter ID Laws Affect Voter Turnout in Wisconsin," accessed February 11, 2026] Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "WILL" defined multiple times with different content
  6. Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, 'Our Story," accessed February 11, 2026
  7. 7.0 7.1 Los Angeles Times, "Voter ID shouldn’t be this controversial," February 10, 2026
  8. 8.0 8.1 Yahoo, "Virtually All Countries Support Voter Photo ID - So Why the Filibuster?" February 17, 2026
  9. Crime Prevention Research Center, "About," accessed February 26, 2026
  10. 10.0 10.1 Democracy Docket, "How ID Requirements Harm Marginalized Communities and Their Right to Vote," November 16, 2023
  11. Democracy Docket, "About Us," accessed February 11, 2026
  12. Democracy Docket, "The Real Cost of Voter ID Laws — And Who Pays the Highest Price," August 11, 2025
  13. Indivisible, "About," accessed February 11, 2026
  14. Indivisible, "Voter ID 101: The Right to Vote Shouldn't Come With Barriers," accessed February 11, 2026
  15. League of Women Voters, "About Us," accessed February 11, 2026
  16. League of Women Voters, "What's So Bad About Voter ID Laws?," May 23, 2023
  17. Congress, "H.R.3295 - Help America Vote Act of 2002," accessed September 30, 2025
  18. AL.com, "Alabama photo voter ID law to be used in 2014, state officials say," June 25, 2013
  19. Alabama Secretary of State Website, "Alabama Photo Voter Identification," accessed October 9, 2025
  20. Alabama Secretary of State, "Photo Voter ID," accessed October 14, 2025
  21. Alaska State Legislature, "Alaska Statutes 2018 Sec. 15.15.225 Voter identification at polls," accessed October 9, 2025
  22. Alaska Legislature, "Sec. 15.15.225," accessed October 14, 2025
  23. Arkansas Secretary of State, "Voter Registration Information," accessed October 9, 2025
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