As election seasons approach, voters across the country are being hit with disinformation-driven waves of voter suppression laws. Understanding your state’s voting policies can help you fight back.
For example, some states require a photo ID for in-person voting. Others use other methods to verify a voter’s identity, such as comparing a voter’s signature or ballot with information on file.
Identification Requirements
When voting, voters frequently must show a legitimate identification with a photo. Voter ID legislation may promote public confidence in the electoral process and aid to protect voting rights by preventing in-person voter fraud or impersonation.
Voter ID requirements are part of a larger area of election administration, including early and absentee voting provisions, voter list maintenance methods, provisional ballot rules, and more. These policies are governed by the federal Help America Vote Act and state law.
Typically, identification requirements apply to first-time voters who register by mail or through a voter registration drive. A photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID card, is required. Other acceptable forms of ID include a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing your name and address.
Some states also allow voters to vote a provisional ballot without ID. These ballots are counted only if you provide a valid form of identification or sign an ID Confirmation Statement within two business days after Election Day.
If you are a new voter or have yet to register, you can find out what documents are required by visiting your county voter registration office. You must present a form of identification, such as a driver’s license, to complete the registration process.
Early Voting
Early voting is essential to a democracy, providing voters with more flexibility and reducing wait times on Election Day. It also relieves the burden on poll workers, resulting in a more pleasant experience for voters.
Most states offer early voting opportunities, and you can find out about them on your state’s website. Some have a specific time limit, but others let you vote as many days before the election as possible.
You can vote at an early voting site during the hours the sites are open, including evenings and weekends. But you won’t be able to change your vote after it’s cast.
Your vote will count and show up in your voter history as soon as your county finishes the post-election process of transferring your ballot to your record.
Depending on your state, you can bring your completed absentee ballot to your local polling place for voting. Ask a poll worker if you need help with this.
In New York, early voting is available up to nine days before Election Day. Each county must have at least one early voting site, but you can also vote at a centralized early voting center.
Voting is a fundamental right, and every citizen has the right to do so. However, there are some restrictions on voting if you’re a student, are homeless, have a criminal record, or live with physical or mental disabilities.
Absentee Ballots
Voters unable to come to their polling place on Election Day may request an absentee ballot and vote by mail. These categories of voters include seniors, people who have a permanent or temporary physical disability, and people who are temporarily residing out of the state.
These voters may request absentee ballots online, by email, or in person. They must complete their votes and return them by the deadline to avoid poll problems.
If you vote by mail, your ballot will be sent to the address you provided in your absentee ballot application. You will need to provide a photo ID to verify your identity when you return the ballot.
A photo ID can be a driver’s license, non-driver’s license, or passport. Check your state’s voting laws for any other requirements you may need to meet before submitting an absentee ballot.
Another vital requirement when submitting an absentee ballot is to sign your application in the presence of a witness. This person must be a citizen of the United States.
Voters who have a permanent illness or disability, or are in a care facility, are also eligible to request an absentee ballot. They must fill out an application and have a close relative, such as their spouse or parent, sign and return the application and absentee ballot to the board of elections.
Polling Places
When you register to vote, you will receive a polling place card that indicates the building where you should vote. If you need to locate your polling place, use this website’s search tool. Enter your address and county of residence to get the most accurate results.
In most states, polling places are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. for general, memorable, and primary elections. Some cities and towns may also be opened earlier or later.
Generally, all polling places must be accessible to voters with disabilities. In addition to providing accessible parking spaces and a ramp, public entities must ensure that polling places are free of barriers such as inaccessible doors, obstructed entryways, or overcrowding.
A public entity should also provide effective communication for voters with disabilities. For example, a voter who is deaf or unable to hear the poll worker’s voice should be able to communicate with the poll worker through written communication.
The ADA also requires public entities to offer an alternative method of voting for voters with disabilities if no accessible polling place is available in a particular precinct or ward. Such an option must offer the same opportunity to vote as in-person voting and be provided at least two weeks before the election.
