State Profiles: Elections

Chief election official: Secretary of State Wes Allen, elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Jeff Elrod
Who runs elections locally: Probate Judge, Clerk of Circuit Court, Board of Registrars, Sheriff 
State website: www.alabama.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	Yes, OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Must be 18 by Election Day	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	15 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Not provided	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	No, ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	12 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Absentee voter only	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not specified	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	7 a.m. on Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	No	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Pilot audit program in progress	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Yes	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom; elected in 2022 for a four-year term. 
State election director: Carol Beecher
Who runs elections locally: Election Supervisor
State website: www.alaska.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Permitted 90 days before turning 18	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	30 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 15 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	No-excuse absentee voting is permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	No, ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Must be received within 10 days if postmarked on or before Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Seven days before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Top-four open primary	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Adrian Fontes; elected in 2022 for a four-year term.  
State election director: Colleen Connor
Who runs elections locally: County Recorder, Elections Director
State website: www.az.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Must be 18 by Election Day	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	29 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 27 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	No-excuse absentee voting is permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	7 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Family member, household member or caregiver	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt of ballot	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open to unaffiliated voters	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Yes	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State John Thurston; elected in 2022 for a second four-year term.
State election director: Lesley Bellamy
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, County Board of Election Commissioners
State website: www.ar.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Must be 18 by Election Day	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	30 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 15 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	7:30 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	A voter’s designee	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Prohibits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Seven days before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Shirley Weber; elected in 2022 for a four-year term. 
State election director: Jana Lean
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, Registrar of Voters
State website: www.ca.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 29 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted; ballots are mailed to all registered voters	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Seven days after Election Day*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	A voter’s designee	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	29 days before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	UOCAVA voters only	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Top-two	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Jena Griswold; elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Judd Choate
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk
State website: www.colorado.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required to vote in-person	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 15 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Yes, vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted; ballots are mailed to all registered voters	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Yes, ballots are mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	7 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	A voter’s designee, or qualified election official	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open to unaffiliated voters	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas; elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Kristin Sullivan 
Who runs election locally: Town Clerk, Registrar of Voters 
State website: www.ct.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Must be 18 by Election Day	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 15 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Immediate family members or designated caregiver	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not specified	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	At the discretion of the local registrar of voters	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election authority: Delaware Department of Elections
State election director: Anthony J. Albence
Who runs elections locally: County Director
State website: www.delaware.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	24 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 10 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	No-excuse absentee voting is permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not specified	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Friday before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election authority: District of Columbia Board of Elections
Election director: Executive Director Monica Evans
District website: www.dc.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	12 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted; ballots are mailed to all registered voters	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Must be received within 7 days of Election Day*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not specified	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Prior to tabulation, timing not specified	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballot must be postmarked by election day

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Cory Byrd; appointed by the governor in 2023.
State election director: Maria Matthews
Who runs elections locally: County Supervisor of Elections
State website: www.myflorida.com

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	29 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 10 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	No-excuse absentee voting is permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	7 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Yes, A voter’s designee	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger; elected in 2022 for a second four-year term.
State election director: Blake Evans
Who runs elections locally: Board of Elections and Registration, Probate Judge, Board of Registrars, Election Supervisor and Registrar
State website: www.georgia.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	17.5-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	29 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins on the 4th Monday before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	No-excuse absentee voting is permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Family members, household members or caregivers	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election authority: Hawaii Elections Commission
State election director: Scott Nago; appointed by State Elections Commission
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, City Clerk (Honolulu)
State website: www.hawaii.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 10 business days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted; ballots are mailed to all registered voter	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Voter can return ballot in “any manner”	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon Receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Phil McGrane; elected in 2022 for a 4-year term.
State election director: Guillermo Velasco 
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk
State website: www.idaho.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Must be 18 by Election Day	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 3rd Monday before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	No-excuse absentee voting is permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	8 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not specified	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election authority: Illinois Board of Elections
State election director: Bernadette Matthews; appointed by the State Board of Elections
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, County Election Commissioner, Municipal Election Commissions
State website: www.illinois.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Must be 18 by Election Day	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 40 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	No-excuse absentee voting is permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	14 days after the election*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	A voter’s designee	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballot must be postmarked by election day

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Diego Morales; elected in 2022 for a 4-year term.
State election director: Angie Nussmeyer and Brad King
Who runs elections locally: County Commissioner of Elections
State website: www.in.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Must be 18 by Election Day	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	29 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 28 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	12 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Household members	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Post-election tabulation audit not used	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Yes	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Paul Pate; elected in 2022 for a 4-year term.
State election director: Heidi Burhans 
Who runs elections locally: County Commissioner of Elections
State website: www.iowa.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	17.5-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 20 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	No-excuse absentee voting is permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	A voter’s designee or special precinct officials	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	The day before the election	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Yes	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Scott Schwab; elected in 2022 for a 4-year term.
State election director: Bryan Caskey
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, Election Commissioner
State website: www.kansas.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Must be 18 by Election Day	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	21 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 20 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	No-excuse absentee voting is permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	3 days after Election Day*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s designee	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not specified	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Prior to Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open to unaffiliated voters	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by close of polls on Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Michael Adams; elected in 2019 for a 4-year term. 
State election director: Karen Sellers
Who runs elections locally: County Board of Elections
State website: www.kentucky.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Must be 18 by Election Day	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	29 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins the Thursday before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Family, household member or caregiver	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	14 days before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, elected in 2019 for a four-year term.
State election director: Sherri Wharton Hadskey
Who runs elections locally: Clerk of Court, Registrar of Voters
State website: www.louisiana.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	30 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 14 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Day before Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Immediate family member, must sign statement	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not specified	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Day before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	UOCAVA voters; absentee voters with approval	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Top-two primary	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Shannon Bellows, elected by the legislature for a two-year term.
State election director: Deputy Secretary of State Julie L. Flynn
Who runs elections locally: Registrar of Voters, Municipal Clerk
State website: www.maine.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	17-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 35-40 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s designee	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	7 days before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open to unaffiliated voters	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election authority: Maryland State Board of Elections
State election director: Jared DeMarinis
Who runs elections locally: County Board of Elections
State website: www.maryland.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins on the second Thursday before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	10 days after Election Day*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s designee who is at least 18 years old with an affidavit	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	After the election	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin; elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Michelle Tassinari
Who runs elections locally: City Clerk
State website: www.mass.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	10 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	17 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	5 p.m. on the 3rd day after the election*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s family member	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open to unaffiliated voters	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson; elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Jonathan Brater
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, Board of County Election Commissioners, Board of County Canvassers, City or Township Clerk, Board of City or Township Election Commission
State website: www.michigan.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 9 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Immediate family or household members	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	7 a.m. on Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Steve Simon; elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: David Maeda
Who runs elections locally: County Auditor, City or County Clerk
State website: www.mn.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	Not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 46 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s designee	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	After polls close on Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses a post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Michael Watson, elected in 2019 for a four-year term.
State election director: Assistant Secretary of State Kyle Kirkpatrick
Who runs elections locally: County Board of Election Commissioners, County Registrar (Clerk of the Circuit Court), Municipal Election Commission
State website: www.ms.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	30 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Not provided	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	5 days after Election Day*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Prohibited	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	When polls open on Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	UOCAVA Voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	No post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, elected in 2020 for a four-year term.
State election director: Chrissy Peters
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, Board of Election Commissioners
State website: www.mo.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	17.5-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	27 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins the second Tuesday before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Must be received by close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	A relative within the second degree of consanguinity	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Prohibited	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Five days before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	UOCAVA voters with restrictions	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Post-election audit used	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, elected in 2020 for a four-year term.
State election director: Dana Corson
Who runs elections locally: Election Administrator
State website: www.mt.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 30 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Must be received by close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Caregiver, family or household member or acquaintance	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	3 business days before the election	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Post-election audit used	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Robert Evnen, elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Deputy Secretary of State Wayne J. Bena
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, Election Administrator
State website: www.nebraska.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	11 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 30 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Must be received by close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Second Friday before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	UOCAVA voters with prior approval	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Post-election audit used	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Nonpartisan primary	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Francisco V. Aguliar, elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Mark Wlaschin
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, Registrar of Voters
State website: www.nv.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	17-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins the 3rd Saturday before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted; ballots are mailed to all registered voters	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	5 p.m. on the fourth after the election*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s designee	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Post-election audit used	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State David Scanlan, elected by the New Hampshire Legislature in 2022 for a two-year term.
State election director: Patricia Piecuch
Who runs elections locally: City or Town Clerk, Moderator, Supervisors of the Checklist 
State website: www.nh.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Not provided	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Must be received by 5 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Family member or staff member of care facility with identity confirmation by clerk	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not specified	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	1 p.m. on Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Not required	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open to unaffiliated voters	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Six states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, appointed by the Governor in 2018.
State election director: Lauren Zyriek
Who runs elections locally: County Board of Elections
State website: www.nj.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	17-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	21 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 45 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	6 days after Election Day*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s designee with proof of identity	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters with a hard copy sent via postal mail	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Post-election audit used	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Six states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Mandy Vigil
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, Board of Registration
State website: www.nm.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 28 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	7 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	A family member or caregiver	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Post-election audit used	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Six states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election authority: New York State Board of Elections
State election director: Co-directors Kristen Zebrowski Stavisky and Raymond J. Riley, III
Who runs elections locally: County Board of Elections
State website: www.ny.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	10 days before election day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 10 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	7 days after Election Day*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Within four days of receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Post-election audit used	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election authority: North Carolina State Board of Elections
State election director: Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell
Who runs elections locally: Director of Elections
State website: www.nc.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Same-day registration permitted through the early voting period	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	25 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins the 3rd Thursday before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	3 days after Election Day*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s near relative or legal guardian	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not specified	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	5th Tuesday before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Post-election audit used	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Daniel Howe, elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Erika White
Who runs elections locally: County Auditor
State website: www.nd.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	ND does not have voter registration	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	ND does not have voter registration	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	ND does not have voter registration	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	ND does not have voter registration	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	ND does not have voter registration	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 15 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	4 p.m. 8 days after the election*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	3 business days before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Post-election audit used	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	ND does not have voter registration	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	ND does not have voter registration	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Frank LaRose, elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Chris Burnett
Who runs elections locally: Director of Elections
State website: www.ohio.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	30 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 29 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	10 days after Election Day*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	A family member	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Before Election Day as determined by Board of Elections	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Post-election audit used	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election authority: Oklahoma State Election Board
State election director: Secretary Paul Ziriax
Who runs elections locally: County Election Board
State website: www.oklahoma.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	25 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins Wednesday before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	7 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s spouse	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	10 a.m. on the Thursday before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Yes	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, elected in 2020 for a four-year term.
State election director: Molly Woon
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, Elections Director and Manager
State website: www.oregon.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	21 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Conducts election primarily by mail	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	7 days after Election Day*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s designee	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Al Schmidt, appointed by the Governor in 2023.
State election director: Jessica Mathis
Who runs elections locally: County Board of Elections
State website: www.pa.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	15 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	50 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	8 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Voter only	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not specified	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	7 a.m. on Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Gregg Amore, elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Rob Rock
Who runs elections locally: Board of Canvassers
State website: www.ri.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	30 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 20 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	8 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	14 days before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election tabulation audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open to unaffiliated voters	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election authority: South Carolina Election Commission
State election director: Executive Director Howard Knapp
Who runs elections locally: Board of Voter Registration and Elections
State website: www.sc.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	30 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 2 weeks before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s designee	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	9 a.m. on Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson, 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: Rachel Soulek
Who runs election locally: County Auditors
State website: www.sd.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Must be 18 by Election Day	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	15 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 46 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Permitted	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Voter’s designee	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Prohibited	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	No post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Yes	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Tre Hargett, elected by the Tennessee State Legislature.
State election director: Mark Goins
Who runs elections locally: Administrator of Elections
State website: www.tn.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	30 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 20 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Jane Nelson, appointed by the Governor.
State election director: Christina Adkins
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, County Elections Administrator
State website: www.texas.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	Individuals 17 years and 10 months old may register	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	30 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	Begins 17 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	5 p.m. the day after Election Day*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Household members or family members within second or third degree	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	No more than 20 days before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters living in a hostile fire area	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Yes	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Lieutenant Governor Diedre Henderson, elected in 2020 for a four-year term.
State election director: Ryan Cowley
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk
State website: www.utah.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	14 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted; ballots are mailed to all registered voters	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Noon on the day of the official canvass*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Before election day, exact timing not specified	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters and voters with disabilities	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballot must be postmarked by election day

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, elected in 2022 for a two-year term.
State election director: Will Senning
Who runs elections locally: Town Clerk, Board of Civil Authority
State website: www.vermont.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID not required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	45 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted; ballots are mailed to all registered voters for general elections	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are mailed to all registered voters for general elections only	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	30 days before Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election authority: Virginia Department of Elections
State election director: Commissioner Susan Beals
Who runs elections locally: County and City Electoral Boards, County and City General Registrars
State website: www.virginia.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	16-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	45 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	No, ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	12 p.m. three days after the election*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Voter only if in person; mail and drop boxes not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballot must be postmarked by election day

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, elected in 2022 to serve until 2024.
State election director: Stuart Holmes
Who runs elections locally:  County Auditor, Election Director (in King County only)
State website: www.wa.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 before the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required to vote in-person	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	18 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers are used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted; ballots are mailed to all registered voters	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	Ballots are mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Not specified*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permits drop boxes	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	Ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Upon receipt	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Top-two	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Ballot must be postmarked by election day

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Mac Warner, elected in 2020 for a four-year term.
State election director: Brittany Westfall
Who runs elections locally: Clerk of the County Commission
State website: www.wv.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	AVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	17-year-olds may preregister	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Not provided	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	21 days before Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	13 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Not permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	No, ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Must be received before the fifth day after the election*	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Not specified	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Permitted for UOCAVA voters, voters with disabilities and qualified first responders	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Private funding is prohibited	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially closed	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

* Ballot must be postmarked by election day

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election authority: Wisconsin Elections Commission
State election director: Meagan Wolfe
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk, Municipal Clerk, Municipal Board of Election Commissioners, County Board of Election Commissioners
State website: www.wisconsin.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	OVR permitted	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	14 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Not used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	No, ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	8 p.m. on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Only the voter for mail return	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Prohibited	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	After polls open on Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	No pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	Yes	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

View State Profile PDF

Chief election official: Secretary of State Chuck Gray, elected in 2022 for a four-year term.
State election director: CJ Young
Who runs elections locally: County Clerk
State website: www.wyo.gov

ELECTION POLICY	STATUS	NATIONAL COMPARISON
VOTER REGISTRATION
Online voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have online voter registration
Automatic/automated voter registration	Not provided	42 states and D.C. have automatic voter registration
Pre-registration	18 by the election	19 states permit pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds
Election Day/same-day registration	Permitted	22 states and D.C. have same-day registration
Registration deadline	Election Day	National average is 20 days before Election Day
VOTING
Voter ID	ID required	35 states require ID
Early in-person voting	40 days before Election Day	47 states allow; national average is 26 days
Vote centers	Vote centers used	29 states allow vote centers
No-excuse absentee voting	Permitted	27 states permit no-excuse absentee voting
Mails ballots to all registered voters (aka “mostly mail elections”)	No, ballots are not mailed to all registered voters	Eight states and D.C. mail ballots to all registered voters
Deadline for absentee/mail ballot return	Close of polls on Election Day	30 states require ballots returned by Election Day*
Ballot collection laws	Not specified	31 states have ballot collection laws
Ballot drop boxes	Permitted	Four states prohibit; 23 states permit; other states are silent
Ballot cure process	No ballot cure process offered statewide	25 states have a ballot cure process
When absentee/mail ballot processing begins	Thursday and Friday preceding Election Day	32 states and D.C. begin processing before Election Day
Electronic ballot return	Not permitted	33 states allow for military and overseas voters; 13 states allow for voters with disabilities
OTHER
Prohibits private funding of elections	Not specified	24 states prohibit; 26 states are silent
Pre-election audits (logic and accuracy testing)	Uses pre-election audit	47 states have pre-election audits
Post-election tabulation audits	Uses post-election audit	46 states require post-election audits
State primary type	Partially open	Primaries range from fully open to fully closed
Member of Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)	No	25 states and D.C. are members of ERIC
Use jury lists for list maintenance	Not specified	Seven states use jury lists; other states are silent

*Other states accept ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Note: Neither NCSL nor the U.S. Election Assistance Commission advocate for or against any election policies.

Resource State Profiles: Elections

Contact NCSL

Related Resources

Forecasting the 2024 Presidential Elections: The Data Says … Who Knows?

Felon Voting Rights

Voting Age for Primary Elections

Contact Us

Denver

Washington, D.C.

Resource State Profiles: Elections

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Contact NCSL

Related Resources

Forecasting the 2024 Presidential Elections: The Data Says … Who Knows?

Felon Voting Rights

Voting Age for Primary Elections

Contact Us

Denver

Washington, D.C.