In a majority of states, voters show some form of identification when casting their ballot in-person. States that do not require some form of ID typically ask for a signature or other identifying information to confirm the voter’s eligibility. Our scoring gives negative points to states that have unnecessarily strict identification requirements or procedures in place that create barriers for eligible voters who may not be able to obtain a specific form of required ID. These overly strict procedures usually require very limited forms of ID and/or burdensome additional steps to be taken by the voter after Election Day to ensure their vote is counted. These laws do not apply to mail/absentee voting, or first-time voters who did not provide ID when registering to vote by mail. For more information please contact your local election official.
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Non-photo ID or other identifying information requested, but no additional steps required for voter to cast a ballot if voter does not have requested ID
(21 states + D.C.)
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Photo ID requested but no additional steps required for voter to cast a ballot if voter does not have requested ID
(14 states)
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Non-photo ID required, and additional steps required for voter to cast a ballot if voter does not have required ID
(4 states)
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Photo ID required and additional steps required for voter to cast a ballot if voter does not have required ID
(11 states)
Breakdown by Population
*Note: These percentages reflect the voting-eligible population, as reported by the United States Election Project.
46 % of population lives in states with non-photo ID or other identifying information requested, but no additional steps required for voter to cast a ballot if voter does not have requested ID
30 % of population lives in states where Photo ID requested but no additional steps required for voter to cast a ballot if voter does not have requested ID
4 % of population lives in states where non-photo ID required, and additional steps required for voter to cast a ballot if voter does not have required ID
20 % of population lives in states where photo ID required and additional steps required for voter to cast a ballot if voter does not have required ID
