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Can You Still Register to Vote on Election Day? Yes, if You Live in One of These States

Nearly half of US states lets you register to vote as late as today so you can vote. Here's a breakdown of where.

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Headshot of Thomas Kika
Thomas Kika Former Writer
Thomas is a native of upstate New York and a graduate of the University at Albany. As a former member of CNET's How To team, he wrote about the intersection of policy, information and technology, and how you can best be served in that area. Outside of work, he can most often be found watching too many movies, reading too much, drinking too much coffee, or spending time with his cats.
Thomas Kika
4 min read
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Numerous states will allow you to register to vote as late Election Day itself.

 Getty Images/Viva Tung/CNET

Election Day is finally here, and if you're not registered, in nearly half the states and Washington, DC, you can still sign up to vote today. Find below an interactive map featuring information about every state's registration deadlines, and read ahead for specifics about states offer Election Day registration.

Registration is a vital part of the voting process for Americans, but data taken over the years has shown that many eligible voters in the US might not be bothering with voting. A Pew Research study from 2022 found that around two thirds of eligible voters took part in the 2020 presidential race, while less than half took part in the 2018 and 2022 midterms. The turnout for those three election cycles were also considered to be among the highest in recent US history.

Here's which states let you register today to vote. For more, here's how to track your mail-in ballot and how to track results today.

How does Election Day registration work?

Among the places where Election Day registration is an option, the thing they all have in common is that prospective voters can go through the process in person, typically at wherever their polling place is. They also allow same-day registration and voting during their early voting periods. Beyond this, the options may differ in the specifics, including the materials that might be required and other methods that might be available.

Which states allow you to register and vote on Election Day?

A total of 23 states and Washington, DC, offer Election Day registration. Below you can find a list of these states and what their particulars might be.

Before that, another state should be highlighted. In North Dakota, registration is not required at all, as residents must instead provide a valid form of ID to prove that they're eligible to vote.

Also, if you plan to register in one of these states on Election Day, be sure to contact your local election office before then to find out if your area has any additional rules or requirements not listed in this article.

Alaska: While it's too late to vote on the down-ballot items, Alaska law allows for same-day voter registration to vote for the president and vice president.

California: Residents can register in person up through Election Day, though after Oct. 25, it will have to be done as a provisional ballot that won't be counted until your registration is verified.

Colorado: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Connecticut: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

District of Columbia: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Hawaii: Residents can register in person up through Election Day, though after Oct. 28, it will have to be done as a provisional ballot that won't be counted until your registration is verified.

Idaho: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Illinois: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Iowa: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Maine: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Maryland: Residents can register in person up through Election Day if they can provide proof of address.

Michigan: Residents can register in person up through 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Minnesota: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Montana: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Nevada: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

New Hampshire: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

New Mexico: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Rhode Island: Residents can register in person up through Election Day, but this is only the case for years like 2024 which have a presidential election.

Utah: Residents can register in person up through Election Day, but after Oct. 25, it will have to be done as a provisional ballot that won't be counted until your registration is verified.

Vermont: Residents here have the most same-day registration and voting options of any state, as in-person, mail and online registration can each be done through Election Day. But if your mail or online registration has not been processed by the time you get to the polls, you will have to cast a provisional ballot that won't be counted until your registration is verified.

Virginia: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Washington: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Wisconsin: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

Wyoming: Residents can register in person up through Election Day.

For more election information, find out if anyone can see how you voted.