Everything You Need to Know About Registering to Vote This Year

From Cosmopolitan

The 2020 presidential election on November 3 is fast-approaching, and as many voters prepare to cast their ballots for either President Donald Trump or Vice President Joe Biden, it’s obvious that this year’s election will be unlike any other—which is why it’s so important that you’re actually registered to vote.

Though it’s unclear just how many people plan to vote by mail in November, more states than ever before are lifting restrictions on absentee ballots, making it easier for those who want to avoid large crowds during a pandemic to cast their ballots.

You’ve also probably heard that in recent months, the U.S. Postal Service is under attack from President Trump and the Postmaster General, who have cut costs and slowed down mail service all over the country. So, if you are planning to vote by mail, you might be wondering, will it even get there in time?!

Also, there are all the normal questions like how do I know if I’m registered? and do I need a photo ID? and should I wear a mask if I’m voting in-person? (YES, OBVIOUSLY to that last one!)

We’re here to help you wade through all the confusing ways you can cast your ballot this year, broken down state by state. But before you check out what’s going on at your polling place, take note of the basics that apply to all registered voters:

You are eligible to vote as long as you are a U.S. citizen, you are at least 18 years old on Election Day, and you are a resident of the state you register in. If your state has specific requirements regarding residency, it will be listed below. Also, PSA: If you are experiencing homelessness, you can still vote.

• If you're a student living out of state, you should decide whether to vote in your home state by absentee ballot or in the state you reside in for school. Don't vote in both—that's a federal offense.

• If you do choose to vote absentee, send in your application and your completed ballot early AF. Applications should go out now. Like today if you can. And ballots should be mailed no later than Oct. 22.

• If you have been convicted of a felony, you may still be eligible to vote. Check here to find out if your voting rights have been automatically restored or if there is something else you need to do to get them back.

• Every state except Wyoming allows a person to register at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), so if you want help with the registration process, that's always a good place to go—whether you drive or not.

• If you've given up because you thought you missed the registration deadline, did you though? The cut-off for online or mail-in registration is sometimes earlier than in-person. Also, 19 states and D.C. have “same-day” registration, which means you can register to vote in person on November 3. Otherwise, if you did miss it miss it, check in with your local election office anyway. Because of COVID-19, the rules are always shifting and it’s possible your state may extend the deadline.

• For a sample ballot that shows you every race you can vote in and the candidates' positions, head to Ballotpedia.

• Check out any COVID-19 updates your state has made for elections on your state’s Board of Elections website or at Vote.org.

Oh, yeah, and here are some basic handy tools that everyone can use right now:

Check if you're registered to vote

Register to vote online if your state allows it

Apply for an absentee ballot online if your state allows it

OK! Now, here are all the details for all 50 states. Finds yours below:

Alabama

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is an Alabama resident.

How: You must register by Oct. 19 online, in person, or by mail (postmarked) to designated government agencies. You can download forms here to get started.

ID Required: Yes. Alabama requires a valid photo ID to vote, so make sure you have one of these IDs with you at the polls.

Absentee Voting: Due to COVID-19, any voter who feels it is unreasonable to vote in-person can request an absentee ballot application. Check the box on the application that says "I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls." You must still submit a copy of your photo ID with the application. Send off the application by Oct. 29.

Early Voting: Alabama does not offer early voting.

Alaska

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is an Alaska resident. To be considered a resident, you must have been in the district for at least 30 days before Election Day.

How: Apply to vote online, in-person, or mail (postmarked) by Oct. 4 using this form. If you are 17, you can register once your birthday is 90 days away. Mail, fax, or email the completed document to the designated locations at the end of the second page. In-person registration is also available at the Division of Elections office or voter registration agency in your area. You can request a mail-in ballot by Oct. 24.

ID Required: Yes, Alaska requires ID. Any signed ID that verifies your signature will work. Your signed voter ID card, driver’s license, military ID, passport, or fish and game license will work. A current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, or other government-issued ID will also work. You can get an acceptable ID from the local DMV.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots must be received by Oct. 10. Request one at Vote.org.

Early voting: Alaska has early voting from Oct. 19-Nov. 2. Check out the early voting sites here, starting in October.

Arizona

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is an Arizona resident. You must be a resident for at least 29 days before the election

How: You must register in person, online or by mail before Oct. 5. You can only register online if you have a state ID or driver’s license. Otherwise you must register by mail or in person using this form. Be warned: it will take four to six weeks to get a voter ID card, so if you are relying on that to be a form of ID at the polls, you'll want to give yourself plenty of time for it to show up.

ID Required: Yes, Arizona requires ID. You will need one form of photo ID like a driver’s license, ID card, tribal ID, or two forms of non-photo ID to verify your name and address such as a utility bill or insurance card that are no older than 90 days. If you bring your passport as a photo ID, you will still need another form of ID to verify your current address. All of the acceptable ID combinations can be found here.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots must be received by Oct. 23. You can request a mail-in ballot here.

Early Voting: You can vote early between Oct. 7 and Oct. 30, but dates and hours vary based on location.

Arkansas

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is an Arkansas resident.

How: Register to vote in person or by mail by Oct. 5. Fill out this form and follow the mailing instructions, or apply in person at any county clerk office, DMV, or public library.

ID Required: Yes, Arkansas requires photo ID to vote. This can include student IDs, driver licenses, concealed carry handgun permits, a U.S. Passport, and military ID. The ID can be expired for up to four years, and still be accepted. You can vote under a provisional ballot without ID unless there is a non-ID related reason to not count the ballot.

Absentee Voting: All Arkansans can vote by mail if they have concerns related to COVID-19. Fill out a request for an absentee ballot application here. If you’re dropping it off in-person, it must be received the day before Election Day. If you are mailing it in, it must be received seven days before Election Day.

Early Voting: Early voting in Arkansas begins Oct. 19 and runs until Nov. 2. Find early and regular voting sites here.

California

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a California resident. You must be a resident no later than 15 days before Election Day.

How: Register online or by mail before Oct. 19. The deadline to register in-person is Nov. 3 at your county’s elections office, a voting center, or satellite offices. This is called same-day voter registration.

ID Required: No. If this is your first time voting in a federal election and you didn't provide a driver's license number, state ID number, or Social Security number when you registered, you will be asked to show something to verify your address, like a utility bill, but you do not need a photo ID.

Absentee Voting: Due to COVID-19, all voters will be mailed an absentee ballot. Send yours in so it’s postmarked by Election Day and received within three days of Election Day. Just make sure you’re registered at Vote.org

Early Voting: Early voting starts 29 days before the election and ends on Nov. 2. Check here to see where and when you can vote early.

Colorado

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Colorado resident. You must be a resident for at least 22 days before Election Day.

How: You can register online here or fill out a mail-in application. Applications must be received by Oct. 26. If they’re not received by that date, you can still vote in-person, just not by mail. In-person registration is available anytime at the county voter registration office or Voter Service and Polling Center, including Election Day. Read more about your options here .

ID Required: Yes, Colorado requires ID, but it doesn’t have to be a photo ID. You just need something that will verify your address, like a utility bill. You will need a photo ID, passport, Social Security number, military ID card, or college photo ID from a Colorado school if you are registering to vote at the polling place on Election Day.

Absentee Voting: All registered voters will receive an absentee ballot in the mail. Make sure it’s received by 7 p.m. on Election Day to count. (Learn more about specifics at Vote.org.)

Early Voting: There is no in-person early voting in Colorado.

Connecticut

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Connecticut resident.

How: You can register to vote online or by mail. Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 27. You can also register in-person at designated locations on Election Day.

ID Required: No, a photo ID is not required to vote in Connecticut. Acceptable forms of ID include a social security card, a current photo ID with your name and address, and any official documents that show your name and address, such as a bank statement or utility bill.

Absentee Voting: Due to COVID-19, all voters can vote by absentee ballot. All registered voters will receive an absentee ballot application by mail. All absentee ballots must be received by Election Day.

Early Voting: Connecticut does not have in-person early voting.

Delaware

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Delaware resident.

How: You can register online here, by mail, or in person. Registration should be completed by Oct 10.

ID Required: Delaware doesn't officially ask for voter ID, but poll workers may ask for it anyway and will make you fill out a form before letting you vote, so if you have one to bring, it's a good idea to do so. Acceptable forms of ID can be found here.

Absentee Voting: Due to COVID-19, absentee voting has been extended to all voters for the September and November elections. Complete the absentee ballot application here and mail it back by Oct. 10.

Early Voting: Delaware does not offer early voting.

Washington, D.C.

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must have been a resident of the District for at least 30 days prior to the election. As of July, 2020 people who are incarcerated, on probation, or residing in halfway homes can vote. Find out more information here

How: Register online or by mail before Oct. 13. You can also register to vote in person during early voting dates and on Election Day.

ID Required: Not officially. You will need proof of address to register, but you don’t need to have your ID on you to vote. Some of the polling places will require an ID to enter the building, so it is suggested that a voter bring one anyway.

Absentee Voting: All registered voters will be automatically mailed an absentee ballot for the general election due to COVID-19. Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day, and be received no later than a week after the election to count.

Early Voting: You can vote early in-person from Oct. 27 until Nov. 2. Check here for locations.

Florida

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Florida resident.

How: Register to vote online, by mail, or in-person before Oct. 5. Fill out the form here. You will need to supply a driver's license, state ID, birth certificate, or another form of ID to register. Expect at least two weeks to receive a voter ID card.

ID Required: Yes, you will need a valid photo ID with a signature or a photo ID without a signature (like a passport) and another form of ID with a signature (such as a credit card) in order to vote.

Absentee Voting: All registered voters can request an absentee ballot by Oct. 24. Complete the online application on your county’s Supervisor of Elections website. You can also call for an application or receive one in-person from the Supervisor of Election. Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

Early Voting: Vote early in-person from Oct. 24-31. See locations and times here.

Georgia

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Georgia resident.

How: You can register online, in-person, or by mail before Oct. 5. To register online you must have a valid Georgia driver’s license or ID. If you don’t have either ID, register through the mail-in method.

ID Required: Yes, Georgia requires a photo ID card to vote. If you do not have one, the state can issue you a free Voter Identification Card.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots in Georgia do not require an excuse. Fill out the Georgia absentee ballot application here. Completed ballots must be received by Election Day to count.

Early Voting: Georgia conducts early voting from Oct. 12 until Oct. 30. See locations here.

Hawaii

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Hawaii resident.

How: You can register online here if you have a valid Hawaii driver's license or ID card, and a Social Security number. If you don't, you will need to complete this application and mail it in by Oct. 5. You can also register in-person on Election Day at your polling place.

ID Required: Yes, but it does not need to be a photo ID—it only needs to have your name and address on it to verify you live in the district. If you don’t have an ID you’ll be asked to give your birthday and address to confirm the information in the poll book.

Absentee Voting: Starting this year, voters will automatically receive a mail-in ballot 18 days before election days. (That’s Oct. 16.)

Early Voting: You can vote early in person from Oct. 20 to Nov. 2 at your polling place.

Idaho

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must have been a resident of the county in which you are voting for at least 30 days.

How: You can register online using your driver’s license or the last four numbers of your Social Security Number. If you don’t have either of these, you can still complete a paper application to mail in. Register by Oct. 9.

ID Required: Yes, photo ID is required to vote in Idaho. You can also apply for a voter ID through the DMV.

Absentee Voting: You can request an absentee ballot application here. Complete the form and mail it back by Oct. 23.

Early Voting: Early voting in Idaho varies by county. Contact your county clerk through this directory for more info.

Illinois

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must have lived in the county in which you are voting for at least 30 days.

How: You can register online with your driver’s license and social security number. If you don’t have these on hand, you can mail an application before Oct. 6. The deadline to register in-person is Oct. 6 but, there is a grace period from the original deadline until Election Day. Contact your election authorities on grace period voter registration sites.

ID Required: You do not need an ID to vote, unless you are registering to vote on Election Day at your polling place. In that case, you will need a photo ID with address or a photo ID without an address (like a passport) and a non-photo ID with an address (like a utility bill or vehicle registration).

Absentee Voting: Anyone can request an absentee ballot at Vote.org.

Early Voting: Early voting begins Sept. 24 and ends Nov. 2. Find early voting locations here.

Indiana

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must have lived in the county in which you are voting for at least 30 days.

How: You can register to vote here by Oct. 5.

ID Required: Yes, a photo ID is necessary to cast a ballot. Also, not all student IDs are allowed. Check here to make sure the ID you bring to the polls qualifies.

Absentee Voting: Indiana does have a set of criteria for absentee voting by mail. Check to see if you’re eligible here.

Early Voting: Anyone can vote absentee in person at a county election office until Oct. 22.

Iowa

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is an Iowa resident.

How: You can register online here if you have a state driver's license or ID card. Otherwise you can register by filling out this form and mailing it in. You must register by Oct. 24 to vote on Election Day, but Iowa also allows same-day voter registration Just bring ID and proof of address to your polling place on Election Day. If you don't have ID and proof of your address, a registered voter from your precinct will need to vouch for your identity and residency.

ID Required: Yes, ID is required to vote in Iowa. If you don’t have any idea such as a driver's license, photo ID card, or U.S. passport, you can apply for a voter ID card through the Department of Transportation. Another option is to vote using a provisional ballot. Make sure to show ID by the Monday after Election Day if you use a provisional ballot.

Absentee Voting: Anyone can vote absentee by filling out a form here by applying before Oct. 24. Completed ballots must be postmarked before Nov. 2.

Early Voting: Early voting in Iowa is from Oct. 5 until Nov. 2. Voting takes place in your county’s auditor office.

Kansas

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Kansas resident.

How: You can register online here if you have a state driver's license or ID card. Otherwise you can register by filling out this form and mailing it in. You must register by Oct. 13 to vote on Election Day. Kansas does not allow same-day voter registration.

ID Required: Yes, you will need a photo ID to vote.

Absentee Voting: Anyone can vote absentee by filling out a form here by Oct 27. Absentee ballots can be mailed in or hand-delivered to the county auditor by the time the polls close.

Early Voting: Early in-person voting is available starting Oct.14 but varies by county, so check here to get more information.

Kentucky

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who has been a Kentucky resident for at least 28 days.

How: Register online here. You can also download and fill out a form here, then mail it to the State Board of Elections. Otherwise you need to fill out the form in person at your county clerk's office or DMV. You must register by Oct. 5 to be able to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: Yes, Kentucky requires ID to vote. State and government issued IDs are accepted.

Absentee Voting: During this election, any registered voter may apply for an absentee ballot by Oct. 9. Request one here.

Early Voting: Kentucky voters can vote early in-person starting Oct. 13 at your county clerk's office.

Louisiana

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Louisiana resident.

How: You can register online here by Oct. 13. Otherwise, you can register in person at a voter registrar's office or download a registration and mail it to your local office. You must register by Oct. 5 to be eligible to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: Yes, you will need a photo ID to vote. If you don’t have a photo ID, you can receive a free ID at the DMV by showing your voter information card. Another option is signing a voter affidavit.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots by mail are available only for those who are elderly or disabled or who will be outside the parish on Election Day, such as students or members of the military. You need to request an absentee ballot here before Oct. 30 if you qualify.

Early Voting: Louisiana allows in-person early voting from Oct. 20 to Oct. 27. You can find locations here.

Maine

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Maine resident.

How: You can complete a paper application here and mail it back to the secretary of state address listed on the registration before Oct. 13. You can also register in person at a voter registration drive, which must also occur before Oct. 13. Otherwise you can register in person at a city or town hall or the DMV until Election Day.

ID Required: No, as long as you are already registered, you do not need an ID to vote. If you register on Election Day you will need to provide ID and proof of residency.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots are available to all voters. You can request absentee ballots here until Oct. 29. Completed ballots must be received by Election Day.

Early Voting: You can vote early in Maine from Oct. 5 to Oct. 29th at the municipal clerk's office.

Maryland

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Maryland resident.

How: You can register online here. You can also register in person at a voter registrar's office, or download a registration form and mail it to your local office. You must register by Oct. 13 to be eligible to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: No, you do not need a photo ID to vote.

Absentee Voting: Due to COVID-19, all Maryland voters can request an absentee ballot. Applications must be received a week before Election Day, and your ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received no later than 10 a.m., ten days after Election Day.

Early Voting: In-person early voting runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2. Find early voting locations here.

Massachusetts

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Massachusetts resident.

How: Due to COVID-19, voter registration has been extended to Oct. 24. You can register online here if you have a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or non-driver ID. Otherwise, you can register in person at a voter registrar's office, or download a registration form and mail it to your local office.

ID Required: No, you do not need a photo ID to vote. If you are a first-time voter, you will need to bring some form of identification.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots will be mailed to those who have registered by July 1. Due to COVID-19, all registered voters will be able to mail-in ballots without an excuse. Absentee ballots must be received by Election Day.

Early Voting: Early voting will be from Oct. 17 to Oct. 30. Locations can be found here.

Michigan

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Michigan resident.

How: You can register online here, or print a form to mail in or deliver in person to the address listed. You must register by Oct. 19. Michigan also allows same-day voter registration, so if you don't register in advance, you can still do it when you cast your vote.

ID Required: Yes, photo ID is required to vote in Michigan. Otherwise, you can sign an affidavit.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots are available to all voters. Request a mail-in ballot by Oct. 30 and make sure it gets there by Election Day to count.

Early Voting: Michigan voters can vote early from Sept. 21 to Nov. 2. Find voting locations here.

Minnesota

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Minnesota resident.

How: You can register online here, or print this form to mail in or deliver in person to the address listed. You must register by Oct. 13. Minnesota also allows same-day voter registration, so if you don't register in advance, you can still do it when you cast your vote.

ID Required: You only need to bring ID if you haven’t registered before Election Day or if you’re a first time voter and your registration has not yet been verified. Here is a list of acceptable IDs.

Absentee Voting: Apply for an absentee ballot here up until the day before the election and make sure it’s postmarked before or on Election Day and received up to seven days after the election. You can also drop off your absentee ballot in person to the election office that sent you the ballot up to 3 p.m. on Election Day.

Early Voting: You can vote early in-person from Sept. 18 to Nov. 2. Look up your early voting location here.

Mississippi

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Mississippi resident for at least 30 days.

How: You can register to vote here. Just print a copy of this form and mail it to your county clerk. You can also register in person at a DMV. You must register by Oct. 5 to be able to vote on Election Day. Mississippi does not allow you to register online.

ID Required: Yes, you must have a valid photo ID to cast a ballot on Election Day. Expired IDs that are less than 10 years old are also accepted. If you don’t have these forms of ID, you can apply for a free Voter ID card.

Absentee Voting: Due to COVID-19, special requirements for absentee ballots are extended to include disabilities as a result of the virus. Those under physician imposed quarantine and their caregivers may qualify for absentee ballots. Reach out to your secretary of state here with any questions. You must request your absentee ballot in-person or by mail at least seven days before the election.

Early Voting: Mississippi does not offer early voting, however you may cast an in-person absentee ballot between Oct. 24-Oct. 31. Contact your circuit court’s office for more information.

Missouri

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Missouri resident.

How: You can register to vote online here. Otherwise you can print a form here and mail it to your election office. Your application must be received by Oct. 7.

ID Required: Yes, you must have ID, although it does not need to be a photo ID. A list of acceptable IDs is here.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots are available for those who will be out of the precinct on Election Day. You can fill out a request form here and mail it to your local election office. Absentee requests must be received by Oct. 21. Completed ballots must be received by Nov. 2.

Early Voting: Missouri does not have early voting.

Montana

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must have been a resident of Montana for at least 30 days prior to Election Day.

How: You can register to vote by filling out this form, and returning it in person or mailing it to a local county election office. You must register by mail by Oct. 3, but you can also register in-person until Nov. 3.

ID Required: Yes, you must have ID, although it does not need to be a photo ID. Bank statements, paychecks, and utility bills will work as well.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots are available for anyone. You must submit a ballot request by mail or in person by noon Nov. 2. Your ballot will come with an envelope to return it by mail. It must be received by 8 p.m. Nov. 3 to be valid.

Early Voting: Montana does not have early voting.

Nebraska

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must have been a resident of Nebraska the state for at least 30 days prior to Election Day. A newer Nebraskan can vote on a presidential-only ballot but cannot vote on local or state elections until they re-register with their new address.

How: You can register to vote online or by mail by Oct. 16, and by filling out this form and bringing it in person to a local county election office by Oct. 23.

ID Required: No. As long as you provided ID when you registered, you will not be asked to show ID at the polls. If you’re a first-time voter and didn’t provide verification with your registration, check with your local election officials to know what IDs are acceptable.

Absentee Voting: Nebraska has eliminated absentee ballots and now has early voting ballots instead.

Early Voting: Anyone can apply for an early voting ballot by filling out this form and mailing or faxing it to your county clerk. Forms must be received by Nov. 3. You can deliver a ballot in person or by mail at the clerk's office until Election Day.

Nevada

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Nevada resident. Voters must be residents for at least 30 days.

How: You can register to vote online here. Otherwise you can register by filling out this form, and taking it in person or mailing it to a local election official. You must register by mail by Oct. 6, online by Oct. 29, or in person on Election Day.

ID Required: No, unless you are a first-time voter or did not provide ID with your registration. You can provide a photo ID or a utility bill, bank statement, or something else verifying your address.

Absentee Voting: You can vote absentee for any reason by mail. Request an absentee ballot here by Oct. 20 and return it by the time the poll’s close on Nov. 3.

Early Voting: Nevada has early in-person voting from Oct. 17 to Oct. 30. You can find your county's early voting location here.

New Hampshire

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a New Hampshire resident.

How: New Hampshire does not have online or mail-in voter registration. You must register in person at a town or clerk office by Oct. 20. Otherwise you can register in person at the polls when you cast your ballot.

ID Required: Yes, you will need to show a driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, or military ID. If you don’t have any of these forms of ID you can also show something that proves your residency such as a utility bill, rental lease, or tax bill.

Absentee Voting: Due to COVID-19, the absentee ballot qualifications have been extended to those who have the coronavirus, are caring for those who are infected, or believe they will be exposed at the polls. Apply for a mail-in ballot here. Sign the disability affidavit on the application to receive your absentee ballot. There is no formal deadline to apply but Vote.org recommends applying at least a week before Election Day. Completed forms must be received by Election Day to count.

Early Voting: New Hampshire does not have early voting.

New Jersey

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must have been a resident of New Jersey for at least 30 days prior to Election Day. If you are on parole or probation, you are also able to vote.

How: You can register to vote by filling out this form and mailing it to the address on the front. Otherwise you can register in person at the DMV or the government services buildings listed here. You must register by Oct. 13.

ID Required: ID is only required if you’re a first-time voter or did not provide identification when registering. You can vote on a provisional ballot if you do not have ID on Election Day.

Absentee Voting: Due to COVID-19, all registered New Jersey voters will receive a mail-in ballot. Absentee ballots must be hand-delivered or postmarked by Election Day to count.

Early Voting: You can vote early from Sept. 19 to Nov. 2.

New Mexico

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a New Mexico resident.

How: You can vote online here or download and mail the paper application by Oct. 6. Otherwise you can find New Mexico-specific forms at libraries, the DMV, and government offices across the state. In-person registration is open until Oct. 31.

ID Required: No, but you will have to offer a written or verbal statement attesting that you are who you say you are. ID is required if you’re a first-time voter, or did not provide it when registering.

Absentee Voting: You can obtain an absentee ballot by requesting one here by Oct. 20. Absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk by 7 p.m. Nov. 3 to be valid.

Early Voting: You can vote early in person starting Oct. 17 at your local county clerk's office. Early voting ends Oct 31.

New York

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must have been living at your present address in New York for at least 30 days. If you have been in the state for less than 30 days, you can still vote on a presidential-only ballot.

How: You can register to vote online here. Or you can fill out this form and return it by mail to a county board of elections. You can also register in person at any place on this list. Registrations must be received by Oct. 9 in order to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: You do not need an ID to vote if you supplied an ID when you registered. If you’re a first-time voter, you will need a photo ID, utility bill, or bank statement.

Absentee Voting: You can obtain an absentee ballot by requesting one here by Nov. 2. Absentee ballots must be postmarked or delivered by hand to your county board of elections by Nov. 3 before polls close to be valid.

Early Voting: Early voting will be available from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1. Check out hours and locations here.

North Carolina

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must have been living at your present address in North Carolina for at least 30 days. If you have moved from one county to another within that 30-day period, you are still eligible to vote at your prior precinct.

How: Register online here. You can also complete this application and return it by mail to the county board of elections for your address. In-person registration is held at DMVs, local public high schools, libraries, or government offices. You must register by Oct. 9 in person or by mail to be able to vote on Election Day. Online registration ends Oct. 31.

ID Required: ID is only required if you’re a first-time voter or did not provide identification while registering. In that case you will need to provide your driver’s license, a student ID with a proof of campus residency, or a utility bill.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots are available to all voters. To request a mail-in ballot fill out this form send it in by Oct. 27. Completed ballots must be received by Election Day.

Early Voting: North Carolina offers early in-person voting, which they call One Stop Voting because you can register at the same time if you aren't already registered. It runs from Oct. 15 to Oct 31. Find locations here.

North Dakota

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must be a resident of North Dakota for at least 30 days.

How: Just show up! North Dakota is the only state in the country without a voter registration process, so find your precinct and go cast a ballot.

ID Required: Acceptable forms of ID must include your name, birth date, and address (not a P.O. Box) If you don’t have these, you can sign an affidavit.

Absentee Voting: You can vote absentee by mail by requesting a ballot here and you must have your request in before Nov. 2. Completed ballots also must be received by Nov. 2.

Early Voting: North Dakota offers early in-person voting from Oct. 19 to Nov. 2, but it varies by county. You can find an early polling place here.

Ohio

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days.

How: Register online here or mail in this application by Oct. 5. You can also register in-person at your local election office.

ID Required: Yes, ID is required to vote in Ohio. It does not have to be a photo ID, just something to prove your identity and residency. ID requirements can be found here.

Absentee Voting: You can request an absentee ballot to vote by mail. Absentee ballots must be requested by noon on Oct. 31. Completed ballots must be mail by Nov. 2 or handed in by Election Day.

Early Voting: Ohio offers early in-person voting Oct. 6 through Nov. 2. You can find your early voting site here.

Oklahoma

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is an Oklahoma resident.

How: Oklahoma does not have online registration. Register to vote by filling out this form and mailing it to the address listed. You must register by Oct. 9 to be eligible to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: Yes, Oklahoma asks for photo ID at the polls, although you can also sign an affidavit and submit a provisional ballot (an unofficial ballot that will be counted if the voter is found to be registered). If you want to be sure your vote is counted on Election Day, bring photo ID with you.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots are available to all voters. Due to COVID-19, mail-in ballots will not need to be notarized. However, a copy of your photo ID is required with the vote. Requests must be made by Oct. 27. Mail completed ballots by Oct. 28.

Early Voting: Oklahoma allows early voting Oct. 29 through Oct. 31. You can find your early voting site here.

Oregon

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is an Oregon resident.

How: You can register online to vote here or fill out this form and mail it to the address on the application. You must register by Oct. 13 to be eligible to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: No, Oregon does not require voter ID.

Absentee Voting: If you are a registered voter, you will receive a ballot in the mail two to three weeks before Election Day, and you can either return it by mail before Oct. 28 or drop it in a special drop box by Election Day. You can also request an absentee ballot to vote by mail if you are currently out of state. Absentee ballots must be requested by Oct.13 .

Early Voting: Oregon does not have early in-person voting.

Pennsylvania

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day. You must have been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least 30 days.

How: You can register online to vote here or by filling out this form and mailing it to the address on the application. You must register by Oct. 19 to be eligible to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: No, Pennsylvania does not require voter ID. If you are a first time voter, you will need to show some proof of identity.

Absentee Voting: You can request an absentee ballot to vote by Oct. 27. Completed ballots must be received by Election Day.

Early Voting: Pennsylvania does not have early in-person voting.

Rhode Island

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older and resident of Rhode Island by Election Day.

How: Register online here. You can also register by mail using this form by Oct. 4. In-person registration is available at these local election offices. You can also register in-person on Election Day.

ID Required: Yes, Rhode Island asks for photo ID at the polls, although you can cast a provisional ballot if you don't have one.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots are available to all voters. Fill out an application here by Oct. 13. Completed, witnessed, and notarized ballots must be submitted by Election Day.

Early Voting: Rhode Island has early voting from Oct. 14 to Nov. 2. Dates and locations may vary.

South Carolina

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a South Carolina resident.

How: Register online or by mail by Oct. 4 to vote.

ID Required: Yes, South Carolina asks for photo ID at the polls. If you do not have one you can receive a free DMV ID card from the DMV or vote on a provisional ballot.

Absentee Voting: Those who will be out of the precinct, working, or otherwise unable to get to the polls on Election Day can vote absentee in person or by mail. You can request a ballot by mail here until Oct. 30. You can vote absentee in person at your county voter registration office until 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. You will need to contact the office to find out when it is open.

Early Voting: South Carolina does not have in-person early voting.

South Dakota

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a South Dakota resident.

How: You can register to vote by filling out this form and mailing it to the county auditor's office. You must register by Oct. 19 to be eligible to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: Yes, South Dakota asks for photo ID at the polls, although if you don't have one, you can sign an affidavit instead.

Absentee Voting: You can vote absentee by requesting a ballot before Nov. 2. Return your completed ballots here by Election Day.

Early Voting: South Dakota does not conduct early in-person voting.

Tennessee

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Tennessee resident.

How: Register online or by mail before Oct. 5 to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: Yes, Tennessee requires photo ID at the polls. Student IDs will not be accepted. You can apply for a free photo ID from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. If you come to vote without an ID you can sign a provisional ballot but you must show ID by Nov. 5 for the vote to count.

Absentee Voting: You can vote absentee by mail but will need to provide a valid excuse for being out of your precinct on Election Day, such as being a student in a different state or residing in a nursing home. Valid excuses are listed on the form. You can request an absentee by mail ballot here. Requests must be received by Oct. 27. Completed ballots must be received by Election Day to count.

Early Voting: Tennessee allows early in-person voting from Oct. 14 to Oct. 29 at early voting sites.

Texas

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Texas resident.

How: You can register by mail or in-person by Oct. 5 to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: Yes, Texas requires for photo ID at the polls. There are seven different types of valid photo IDs allowed. A school ID is not one of them, although a gun license is.

Absentee Voting: You can vote absentee by mail but will need to provide a valid excuse for being out of your precinct on Election Day, such as being out of the country. You can request to vote absentee by mail here, and you must return the request application to the early voting clerk by Oct. 23. Ballots must be received by the early voting clerk by the time polls close on Election Day.

Early Voting: Early voting begins Oct. 14 and runs through Oct. 29. Find locations here.

Utah

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Utah resident for at least 30 days.

How: You can register online here or fill out this form and mail it to the address printed on the second page. Online and mailed registrations must be done by Oct. 23, but in-person Election Day registration is also available.

ID Required: Yes, Utah requires ID, although the ID does not have to have a photo. You can provide two forms of alternate identification if they have both your name and address on them.

Absentee Voting: You can vote absentee by mail. Request a mail-in ballot here. Requests must be made by Oct. 23.

Early Voting: Utah allows early in-person voting from Oct. 20 to Oct. 30. Contact your county clerk for more information.

Vermont

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Vermont resident.

How: You can register by filling out this form and mailing it to your town clerk. You must register by Nov. 3 to be eligible to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: No, Vermont does not require an ID at the polls.

Absentee Voting: You can request a mail-in absentee ballot here. All absentee ballot requests must be in by Nov. 2.

Early Voting: Vermont allows early in-person voting in the town clerk offices starting Sept. 21 to Nov. 2.

Virginia

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Virginia resident.

How: You can register online here or fill out this form and deliver it to the address for the clerk in your precinct. You can also fill the form out in person at any DMV, public library, or social service agency in Virginia. You must register by Oct. 13 to be eligible to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: Yes, Virginia requires photo ID to vote, and you can find a list of acceptable IDs here.

Absentee Voting: Absentee ballots are available to all voters. You can fill out a request for an absentee form here and mail your ballot in as well. Absentee requests must be made by Oct. 31.

Early Voting: Virginia allows early in-person voting from Sept. 19 to October 31.

Washington

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Washington resident.

How: You can register online to vote here, or by filling out this form and mailing it to the address provided. You can also register in person at your local county elections department. You must register by Oct. 26 online or by mail. In-person registration is available until Election Day.

ID Required: An ID is required to vote in Washington, but it does not have to include a photo. See what IDs are accepted here.

Absentee Voting: If you are a registered voter, you will receive a ballot in the mail that you can return by mail or in person at your local county elections department starting Oct. 16 until Nov. 3.

Early Voting: You can vote in-person at an early voting location run by your county elections department starting 18 days before the election.

West Virginia

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a West Virginia resident.

How: You can register online to vote here, or fill out this form and mail it to a county clerk. You can also register in-person at a county clerk's office. You must register by Oct. 13 to be eligible to vote on Election Day.

ID Required: No, West Virginia does not require ID to vote. ID is only needed if it is your first time voting and you mailed your registration.

Absentee Voting: West Virginia allows absentee ballots for those who will not be able to make it to their polling places on Election Day because of work, school, or illness. You can request an absentee ballot here. The request must be filed with a county clerk by Oct. 28 and your completed ballot must be postmarked by Election Day and received six days after the election.

Early Voting: West Virginia allows early voting from Oct. 21 to Oct. 31. It is conducted Monday through Friday during business hours, as well as Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is usually conducted at county courthouses.

Wisconsin

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Wisconsin resident for at least 28 days.

How: You can register online to vote here. You can also fill out this form and return it to a municipal clerk in person. You can also register in-person on Election Day.

ID Required: Yes, Wisconsin requires a photo ID to vote. Check here to be sure you have the right ID.

Absentee Voting: Request an absentee ballot here and mail your application back before Oct. 29. Completed ballots must be submitted by the time the polls close on Election Day.

Early Voting: Wisconsin allows early in-person early voting at municipal clerks' offices from Oct. 20 to Nov. 1. Dates and times may vary by location.

Wyoming

Who: Any U.S. citizen age 18 or older on or before Election Day who is a Wyoming resident.

How: You can register by filling out this form and returning it to a county clerk by Oct. 19. You can also register in person, including when you cast a ballot, since Wyoming has same-day voter registration. Wyoming is the only state that does not register voters at the DMV.

ID Required: No, Wyoming does not require ID to vote. But if you are registering to vote on Election Day you should bring these forms of ID.

Absentee Voting: You can also request an absentee ballot by mail until Nov. 2. Return your completed ballot to the county clerk before the polls close on Election Day.

Early Voting: Wyoming allows early in-person voting at any county clerk's office from Sept. 18 to Nov. 2.

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