In the United States, the requirements for voter identification at polling places vary significantly from state to state. While the fundamental right to vote is a cornerstone of American democracy, the specific rules governing how that right is exercised can differ, leading to questions about accessibility and fairness. One of the most debated aspects of election administration is voter ID laws, particularly those mandating photo identification. This article breaks down which states require photo ID to vote and explores the different categories of voter identification laws across the country.
Understanding Voter ID Laws: Strict vs. Non-Strict
Voter ID laws are generally categorized as either “strict” or “non-strict.” This distinction hinges on what happens when a voter arrives at the polls without the required identification.
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Strict Voter ID Laws: In states with strict voter ID laws, voters are typically required to present a specific form of photo identification to cast a regular ballot. If they cannot produce acceptable ID, they may be required to cast a provisional ballot, and additional steps might be necessary for their vote to be counted. These steps could include returning with valid ID within a certain timeframe after Election Day.
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Non-Strict Voter ID Laws: States with non-strict voter ID laws also request or require identification, but they offer alternatives for voters who do not have or cannot present the specified ID. These alternatives may include signing an affidavit, confirming personal information, or casting a provisional ballot that is more easily counted than in strict ID states. Non-strict photo ID states might request photo ID, but if a voter lacks it, they can still cast a regular ballot using alternative methods. Similarly, non-strict non-photo ID states request some form of identification, but it does not necessarily need to be a photo ID and allows for alternatives if not presented.
States with Different Voter ID Requirements
The landscape of voter ID laws across the US is diverse. Here’s a breakdown of the categories and the states that fall into each:
1. States with No ID Required, but Voter Eligibility Verified Through Other Means
A significant number of states prioritize voter access by not mandating any form of ID at the polls. In these locations, voter eligibility is confirmed through other methods, such as signature verification or poll book checks. Fourteen states and Washington D.C. fall into this category:
(14 states + D.C.)
2. Non-Strict, Non-Photo ID States (ID Requested, but Voter Can Cast Regular Ballot Without)
These states request identification, but it does not need to be a photo ID. More importantly, voters without ID are still able to cast a regular ballot through alternative methods. Seven states operate under these non-strict, non-photo ID rules:
(7 states)
3. Non-Strict, Photo ID States (ID Requested, but Voter Can Cast Regular Ballot Without)
In these states, photo identification is requested when voting in person. However, similar to non-strict, non-photo ID states, voters who do not have photo ID are provided with alternatives to cast a regular ballot. This category includes thirteen states:
(13 states)
4. Strict, Non-Photo ID States (ID Required, Voter Cannot Cast Regular Ballot Without)
States with strict, non-photo ID laws mandate that voters present identification, although it does not need to be a photo ID. Crucially, in these states, voters who cannot show the required ID will not be able to cast a regular ballot immediately and will need to take further steps for their vote to be counted. Four states have these strict, non-photo ID requirements:
(4 states)
5. Strict Photo ID States (ID Required, Voter Cannot Cast Regular Ballot Without)
The strictest category is strict photo ID states. These states require voters to present photo identification to vote. Without acceptable photo ID, a voter will not be able to cast a regular ballot and must typically cast a provisional ballot and fulfill additional post-election requirements to ensure their vote is counted. Twelve states are classified as strict photo ID states:
(12 states)
Note: It is important to recognize nuances within state laws. For example, while Alabama and Wyoming are categorized as strict photo ID states, they may have very narrow exceptions allowing a small subset of voters to vote without the required photo ID.
Population Breakdown and Voter ID Laws
Understanding the impact of these different voter ID laws requires looking at the population distribution across these categories. According to data from the United States Election Project, here’s a breakdown by the voting-eligible population:
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37% of the population lives in states with no ID required, where voter eligibility is verified through other means.
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9% of the population resides in states with non-photo ID or other identifying information requested, but no extra steps are needed to cast a ballot without ID.
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30% of the population lives in states where photo ID is requested, but there are no additional steps required if the voter does not have photo ID.
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4% of the population lives in states where non-photo ID is required, and additional steps are necessary if a voter lacks the required ID.
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20% of the population lives in states with strict photo ID requirements, necessitating extra steps if a voter does not possess photo ID.
This breakdown illustrates that a significant portion of the US population lives in states with less restrictive voter ID laws, while a notable percentage lives in states with strict photo ID mandates that could potentially create barriers to voting for some individuals.
Recommended citation: Movement Advancement Project. “Democracy Maps: Voter Identification Requirements for In-Person Voting.” https://www.mapresearch.org/democracy-maps/in_person_voting. Accessed [day of access].
