← Back to the States
Glossary of Terms
- Registration Deadline
- The last date by which eligible voters must register before an election in order to participate. Deadlines vary by state and may differ for in-person, online, and mail-in registration.
- Same-Day Registration
- A policy that allows eligible citizens to register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day, including on Election Day itself. Not all states offer this option.
- Online Registration
- The ability to submit a voter registration application electronically through a state's website, rather than by mail or in person.
- Mail Registration
- The ability to register to vote by completing a paper registration form and submitting it by mail to the appropriate election office.
- In-Person Registration
- The ability to register to vote by visiting a designated government office, such as a county clerk's office or DMV, and completing a registration form on site.
- Early Voting
- A period before Election Day during which voters can cast their ballots in person at designated polling locations. The length of the early voting period varies by state.
- Absentee Voting
- A method that allows voters to request and submit a ballot by mail before Election Day. Some states require voters to provide a valid reason (excuse) for voting absentee.
- Mail-In Voting
- A voting method where ballots are automatically mailed to all registered voters without requiring a specific request. States that use this approach conduct elections primarily or entirely by mail.
- Voter ID Requirements
- The identification documents a voter must present at the polls in order to cast a ballot. Requirements range from no ID needed to strict photo ID, depending on the state.
- No Excuse Required
- A policy where voters can request an absentee or mail-in ballot without needing to provide a reason, such as illness, travel, or disability.
- Excuse Required Mail-In
- A policy where voters must provide a qualifying reason, such as being out of the county on Election Day or having a physical disability, in order to vote by mail.
- Felony Voting Rules
- State laws governing whether and when people with felony convictions can vote. Policies range from no restrictions to permanent disenfranchisement, with most states restoring rights at some point after sentencing.
- Proof of Residency
- Documentation that verifies a voter's current address within the state or jurisdiction where they are registering. Common forms include utility bills, bank statements, or government-issued documents.
- Proof of Citizenship
- Documentation that confirms a voter is a U.S. citizen. While all states require citizenship to vote, only some require documentary proof such as a birth certificate or passport during registration.
- Valid Photo ID
- A government-issued identification card that includes a photograph of the holder. Examples include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID.