Voter ID Requirements and Laws by State

Although 2026 isn’t a presidential election year, voters across the country will still be heading to the polls for the midterms, as well as key local, state, and special elections.

To get prepared, it’s important to know what documents you need to vote in the United States.

This post gives answers to the following commonly asked questions:

• What IDs do I need to vote in 2026?
• Who is eligible to vote in U.S. elections?
• Which states enforce voter ID laws?

Understanding this information will help you understand which vital records to bring with you to the polls. Since the rules vary from one state to the next, we’ll share clear information on the requirements for citizens across the United States.

What Elections are Happening in 2026?

Along with the 2026 midterms on Tuesday, 3 November, voters in many states will also participate in primary elections and, in some cases, runoff elections earlier in the year. These elections determine which candidates will appear on the ballot for the final midterm elections in November.

Here’s a table with the primary and runoff election dates by state in 2026:

Who Can Vote in the 2026 U.S. Elections?

To exercise your right to vote in the United States, you must meet the eligibility criteria. These voting requirements apply in every U.S. state for all types of official elections.

You must:

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be 18 years old on or before the election date
• Meet your state’s residency requirements
• Be registered to vote in your state by the registration deadline

Some states allow you to pre-register at age 16 or 17, as long as you’ll be 18 by Election Day.

Most states require you to register in advance, but others allow same-day registration at polling locations, including:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia (D.C.)
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Maine
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Make sure you’re aware of your state’s registration requirements ahead of time, so you’re ready to vote in any upcoming state elections. Find out what’s needed and the key deadlines from your state or local election voting office.

The SAVE Act in 2026

The SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act) was introduced as a bill in 2024.

On Feb. 11, 2026, the U.S. House passed the SAVE Act and sent it to the Senate. The bill has passed the U.S. House but has not been enacted into law. However, some states are already passing their own proof of citizenship laws for voter registration. Make sure to check your state’s latest rules for voters in time to prepare for the requirements.

Read: The SAVE Act Explained: Vital Records and Voting

Voter Identification Requirements By State

Voter ID laws vary significantly from one U.S. state to the next. As of 2026, 36 states require some sort of identification for voters, while others have more lenient rules.

In most cases, this means a government-issued photo ID, like a State ID card or driver’s license.

However, some states accept non-photo documents, like utility bills or voter registration cards. Other states allow you to vote by presenting a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate.

To help you prepare for upcoming elections, here’s a breakdown of voter ID rules by state:

* Nebraska began requiring photo ID to vote in 2024, but the law includes exceptions for voters with reasonable impediments and allows provisional ballots in many cases. Check the latest rules for voters in Nebraska to ensure you have the necessary documents to vote.

Voter ID Discrimination and Controversy

As of 2026, 36 states have enacted some form of voter ID requirement. However, the strictness and application of these laws varies widely.

Concerns about discrimination relate to difficulties in getting the ID needed to vote. In particular, some minority groups, low-income voters, and elderly residents are more likely to lack a qualifying photo ID or face barriers in obtaining one.

A widely cited example comes from Texas, where the U.S. Justice Department initially blocked a 2011 voter ID law for being discriminatory. The law was later revised and passed despite concerns about excluding voters whose IDs don't match their registration details.

This is a common issue that comes up in cases of name changes due to marriage or divorce, or address discrepancies.

In some rural counties, it was also reported that voters did not have facilities nearby where they could obtain a state-issued photo ID. Some extreme cases included residents living more than 100 miles away from the nearest office.

Analysis by the Houston Chronicle estimated up to 2.3 million Texans were at risk of being disenfranchised under the original rules. Among the state’s Hispanic communities, studies report that up to 40% of eligible voters may lack valid photo ID.

Read more: Birth certificates for election identification in Texas

What US Citizens Can Do Before an Election Day in 2026

If you do not have an up-to-date government-issued photo ID, renew it as soon as possible. Most forms of photo IDs require citizens to provide a certified copy of their birth certificate alongside the application form. 

To avoid delays and ensure you’re ready for midterm elections on November 3rd 2026, order an official, certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate online. Voter registration deadlines typically fall a few weeks before key elections, so it’s important to have your vital records ready.

If you’re unsure about the ID requirements in your state, you can contact your local election officials or check official state websites for the most accurate and updated guidance.

For a full breakdown of voter ID laws by state in 2026, visit NCSL.org.

Apply for a Birth Certificate

What Is a Midterm Election Year?

United States midterm elections are general federal elections that occur close to the halfway point of a president’s four-year term of office. These elections do not include a presidential race but are crucial for determining control of Congress and many state offices.

The most recent midterm election year was 2022. The next midterm elections will take place in 2026, on Tuesday, November 3rd, the day after the month’s first Monday, in keeping with tradition.

During a typical midterm year, elections are held for:

• All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives
• 33 or 34 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate
• Governors in 36 states
• Various state legislative, judicial and local offices

The next U.S. presidential election will be held in 2028, on Tuesday, November 7, 2028.