What do I need to bring to vote?

The three broad categories of ID rule

States generally fall into one of three groups, though the details within each vary considerably:

• Strict photo ID — a government-issued photo ID is required, and a voter without one casts a provisional ballot that counts only if they return with ID within a set window.
• Non-strict or non-photo ID — a document showing name and address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government mailing, is accepted; some states let a voter sign an affidavit instead.
• No document required — the voter states their name and address and signs the poll book, with the signature checked against the registration record.

What else is worth bringing

A marked sample ballot or written notes, which are permitted in most states and are the fastest way to get through a long ballot without skipping contests.

Your registration confirmation, if you registered recently or recently moved, in case your record has not propagated to the poll book.

Patience for the down-ballot contests. Most people underestimate how long a full midterm ballot takes to complete.

If you are turned away

You are entitled to cast a provisional ballot if your eligibility is in question. Ask for one before leaving. You can also contact your county election office, or the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE, which operates in multiple languages on Election Day.