If you haven’t had time to register to vote or you’re unsure of your voting status but you still want to cast your ballot on Election Day, don’t lose hope! It may not be too late, depending on where you live.
Currently, nearly half the states in the U.S., plus the District of Columbia, allow some type of same-day voter registration on Election Day that enables people to register and vote at the same time.
However, the rules vary from state to state. For example, Alaska and Rhode Island allow residents to register but to vote only in the presidential race on Election Day, not in any of the down-ballot races. Residents in Hawaii and Vermont can register online before they show up to their polling station, while in Maine, same-day registration is available exclusively online (the last day to register by mail or in person was October 15).
Here are the 24 states that allow Election Day registration in 2024, according to Ballotpedia:
- Alaska (voters can register but then vote only for a presidential candidate)
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii (voters can register online before voting in person)
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maine (same-day registration is available online only)
- Maryland
- Michigan (swing state)
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nevada (swing state)
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- Rhode Island (voters can register but vote only for a presidential candidate)
- Utah
- Vermont (voters can register online before voting in person)
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin (swing state)
- Wyoming
Also of note: North Dakota does not require voters to register, so residents here can technically show up to the polls and vote on the same day. (That’s provided you are at least 18 years old, are a U.S. citizen, have lived in North Dakota for at least 30 days before Election Day, and have a valid form of identification.)
What should I bring to vote on Election Day?
Given the last-minute nature of same-day registration, and the likelihood there will be a large voter turnout on Election Day, it might be helpful to read about registration requirements before you head to the polls.
Proof of residency and identification are generally required (like a driver’s license, U.S. passport, or voter ID card) but we recommend you check Vote.gov to see what you need.
And remember, employers in many states must give you time off from work to vote on Election Day (with some restrictions).
To learn more information about the key races in your state, check out this handy 2024 Plan Your Vote page from NBC News.