Getting your voter registration in order doesn't necessarily need to be something you plan for weeks ahead of Election Day on Nov. 5 as long as you live in the right state.
Look, we get it: People are busy these days with a million responsibilities to juggle at all times, and because of that, managing your voter registration can sometimes fall by the wayside, especially given how many people only pay attention to elections every four years. Luckily, in 22 states and Washington, DC, prospective voters can register and vote all at once as late as Election Day. Find below an interactive map featuring information about every state's registration deadlines, and read ahead for specifics about states with Election Day registration options.
Registration is a vital part of the voting process for Americans, but data taken over the years has shown that many eligible voters in the US might not be bothering with it. A Pew Research study from 2022 found that around two thirds of eligible voters took part in the 2020 presidential race, while less than half took part in the 2018 and 2022 midterms. The turnout for those three election cycles were also considered to be among the highest in recent US history.
For more, find out which registration deadlines are coming up and how to see what's on your ballot this year online.
How does Election Day registration work?
Among the places where Election Day registration is an option, the thing they all have in common is that prospective voters can go through the process in person, typically at wherever their polling place is. They also allow same-day registration and voting during their early voting periods. Beyond this, the options may differ in the specifics, including the materials that might be required and other methods that might be available.
Which states allow you to register and vote on Election Day?
A total of 22 states and Washington, DC, offer Election Day registration. Below you can find a list of these states and what their particulars might be.
Before that, two other states should be highlighted. In North Carolina, residents can register and vote at the same time, but only during the early voting period, which lasts from Oct. 17 to Nov. 2. In North Dakota, meanwhile, registration is not required at all, as residents must instead provide a valid form of ID to prove that they're eligible to vote.
Also, if you plan to register in one of these states on Election Day, be sure to contact your local election office before then to find out if your area has any additional rules or requirements not listed in this article.
California: Residents can register in person up through Election Day, though after Oct. 25, it will have to be done as a provisional ballot that won't be counted until your registration is verified.
Colorado: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Connecticut: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
District of Columbia: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Hawaii: Residents can register in person up through Election Day, though after Oct. 28, it will have to be done as a provisional ballot that won't be counted until your registration is verified.
Idaho: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Illinois: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Iowa: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Maine: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Maryland: Residents can register in person up through Election Day if they can provide proof of address.
Michigan: Residents can register in person up through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Minnesota: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Montana: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Nevada: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
New Hampshire: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
New Mexico: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Rhode Island: Residents can register in person up through Election Day, but this is only the case for years like 2024 which have a presidential election.
Utah: Residents can register in person up through Election Day, but after Oct. 25, it will have to be done as a provisional ballot that won't be counted until your registration is verified.
Vermont: Residents here have the most same-day registration and voting options of any state, as in-person, mail and online registration can each be done through Election Day. But if your mail or online registration has not been processed by the time you get to the polls, you will have to cast a provisional ballot that won't be counted until your registration is verified.
Virginia: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Washington: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Wisconsin: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
Wyoming: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.
For more election information, find out which states don't allow you to register online.