Watch CBS News

Election Day 2018: Everything you need to know about voting in all 50 states

Republicans keep control of Senate
Republicans keep control of Senate 01:36

Tuesday is Election Day. You might still have questions. When can you vote? What do you need to vote? Can you cast your ballot if you still haven't registered yet?

CBS News has answers for voters in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.

To make sure you get to the polls and have your vote counted — no excuses! — here's our guide to everything you need to know in your state. Keep in mind that regardless of when polls close, state laws require that everyone waiting in line can still vote. Most states also have laws requiring employers to let you take time off to vote, which we've noted here as well.

How do I find my polling place?

To find your polling place in any state:

  • Open a web browser to Vote.org.
  • Enter your address and click Go.

When do polls open in my state and what ID do I need?

Note: All times are local. Information about ID requirements comes from the National Conference of State Legislatures. Information about time off for voting comes from Workplace Fairness

Alabama

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must present a valid photo ID. Employees are allowed to take one unpaid hour off to vote, but also must provide "reasonable notice" before doing so, and employers are allowed to determine the hour that employees can take. Voter registration ended Oct. 22.

Alaska

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters are required to present ID, but it does not have to include a photo. Employees are allowed to take paid time off to vote for as long as needed, unless they have at least two hours available before or after work to vote. Registration ended Oct. 7.

Arizona

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must present a photo ID with name and registered address, or two forms of non-photo ID with name and address. Voters can take up to three paid hours off to vote, unless they have at least three hours available before or after work to vote. Employees must provide notice before Election Day and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 9.

Arkansas

Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters can present a photo ID or cast a provisional ballot (a ballot with votes that will be counted after election officials verify the voter's eligibility) after signing a sworn statement confirming identity. Employees can take off as long as needed to vote, but will not be paid. Registration ended Oct. 9.

California

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no voter ID requirement, but first-time voters might be asked to provide ID. Employees can take up to two paid hours at the beginning or end of a shift, and it's suggested they provide at least two days' notice. Voters can register on Election Day.

Colorado

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must provide ID, but it does not have to include a photo. Employees can take off up to two paid hours unless they have at least three hours available before or after work to vote, and they must provide notice before Election Day. Voters can register on Election Day.

Connecticut

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must provide ID, but it does not have to include a photo. There is no time-off law for voting. Voters can register on Election Day.

Delaware

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must provide ID, but it does not have to include a photo. There is no time-off law. Registration ended Oct. 13.

Florida

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must present ID with a photo and signature, or a second form of ID if the photo ID does not have a signature. There is no time-off law. Registration ended Oct 9. 

Georgia

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must provide photo ID. Employees can take off up to two unpaid hours, unless they have at least two hours available before or after work to vote, and they must provide "reasonable" notice. Employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 9. 

Hawaii

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters must provide ID, but it does not have to include a photo. Employees can take off up to two paid hours, unless they have at least two hours available before or after work to vote. Voters can register on Election Day.

Idaho

Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must present government-issued photo ID or sign an affidavit. There is no time-off law. Voters can register on Election Day.

Illinois

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no voter ID requirement, but first-time voters might be asked to provide ID. Employees can take off up to two unpaid hours, unless they have at least two available hours before or after work. They must provide notice before Election Day and employers can determine the off hours. Voters can register on Election Day.

Indiana

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters must present a government-issued photo ID showing name and expiration date. There is no time-off law. Registration ended Oct. 9.

Iowa

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters must present a government-issued photo ID or sign a statement confirming identity. Employees can take off up to three paid hours, unless they have at least three hours available before or after work. Employees must provide notice before Election Day, and employers can determine off hours. Voters can register on Election Day.

Kansas

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must present a government-issued photo ID. Employees can take off up to two paid hours, unless they have at least two hours available before or after work, and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 16.

Kentucky

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters must present ID, but it does have to include a photo. Employees can take off up to four unpaid hours, but must give notice before Election Day, and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 9. 

Louisiana

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must present a photo ID with name and signature, or they can provide a paycheck, utility bill, or another government document including name and address, in addition to signing an affidavit. There is no time-off law. Registration ended Oct. 16.

Maine

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no voter ID requirement except for voters registering on Election Day. There is no time-off law. Voters can register on Election Day with ID and proof of residence. 

Maryland

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no voter ID requirement, but first-time voters who registered by mail must present ID. Employees can take off up to two paid hours, unless they have at least two hours available before or after work. They must provide notice before Election Day and show proof of voting, and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 16.

Massachusetts

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no voter ID requirement, but first-time voters who registered by mail must present ID. Employees only in manufacturing, mechanical and mercantile industries can take off the first two hours after polls open, unpaid, and they must apply to do so. Registration ended Oct. 17.

Michigan

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must present photo ID or sign an affidavit saying they do not have any photo ID. There is no time-off law. Registration ended Oct. 9.

Minnesota

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no voter ID requirement. Employees can take paid time off for as long as needed to vote. Voters can register on Election Day.

Mississippi

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must present photo ID. Employees can take off as long as needed to vote, although they might not be paid while doing so. Registration ended Oct. 9.

Missouri

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters are asked to present ID, but it does not have to include a photo, and voters without ID can cast a provisional ballot. Employees can take off up to three paid hours to vote, unless they have at least three hours available before or after work. They must provide notice before election day, and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 10.

Montana

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must present ID, but it does not have to include a photo. There is no time-off law. Voters can register on Election Day.

Nebraska

For the part of the state that is on central time (CT), polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For the part of the state on mountain time (MT), polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is no voter ID requirement, but first-time voters might be asked to provide ID. Employees can take off up to two paid hours to vote, unless they have at least two hours available before or after work. They can provide notice before or on Election Day, and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 26.

Nevada

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must sign an election board register at the polls, which is compared to signature on the voter's original application or on a government-issued ID. The time-off law depends on where the voter works in relation to his or her polling place. Voters who work two miles or fewer from their polling place can take off up to one paid hour; voters who work two to 10 miles from their polling place can take off up to two paid hours; and voters who work more than 10 miles from their polling place can take off up to three paid hours. Employees must give notice before election day and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 18.

New Hampshire

Polling place hours vary by municipality; voters can look up the hours for their polling place here on the secretary of state's website. Voters must present photo ID, or if they are unable to do so, a poll worker will take a photo of the voter and attach it to an affidavit that the voter must sign. There is no time-off law, but employees can request an absentee ballot if they must be at work or commuting during polling hours. Voters can register on Election Day.

New Jersey

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must present ID only if they did not provide ID while registering. There is no time-off law. Registration ended Oct. 16.

New Mexico

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must present ID if they did not provide ID while registering by mail. Employees can take off up to two paid hours to vote, unless they have at least two hours available before or after work, and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 9.

New York

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is no voter ID requirement. Employees can take off up to two paid hours to vote, unless they have at least four available hours before or after work. Employees must provide notice between two to 10 days before Election Day, and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 12.

North Carolina

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Only first-time voters who registered by mail must present ID, or else cast a provisional ballot. There is no time-off law. Registration ended Nov. 3. 

North Dakota

Polls can open between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and close between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., although precincts that received fewer than 75 votes in the last general election can open as late as noon. Use the secretary of state's website to find the hours for your polling place. Voters must present ID including name, address and date of birth. There is no time-off law. North Dakota does not have a voter registration process, so all eligible residents can vote on Election Day.

Ohio

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters must provide full name, current address and ID, although it does not have to include a photo. Voters without valid ID can provide driver's license number, state identification number or the last four digits of Social Security number to cast a provisional ballot. Voters can take off as long as needed to vote, although only salaried employees will be paid. Registration ended Oct. 9.

Oklahoma

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must provide a government-issued photo ID or county election board voter ID cards. Voters who have neither can cast a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit. Employees can take off up to two paid hours to vote, but can take "sufficient" additional time if required. Employees must give notice one day before Election Day and provide proof of voting, and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 12.

Oregon

There are no polling hours or time-off laws because all voting is done by mail. Voters must provide a driver's license or state ID card number before voting by mail. Registration ended Oct. 16.

Pennsylvania

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. First-time voters and voters using a new polling place for the first time must show ID, but it does not have to include a photo. Voters without ID can cast a provisional ballot. There is no time-off law. Registration ended Oct. 9.

Rhode Island

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must present photo ID, but they can cast a provisional ballot without photo ID if their signature matches the one on the voter registration record. There is no time-off law. Registration ended Oct. 7.

South Carolina

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must present a photo ID, and they can receive a free photo ID at a voter registration office by providing name, date of birth and last four digits of Social Security number. There is no time-off law for voting, but employees can request an absentee ballot if they must be at work or commuting during polling hours. Registration ended Oct. 17.

South Dakota

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must present a photo ID or sign an affidavit confirming identity. Employees can take off up to two paid hours to vote, unless they have at least two hours available before or after work, and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 22.

Tennessee

Polls open between 7 and 9 a.m., depending on the county; the secretary of state's website has a guide to when each county's polling places open. For the part of the state on central time, polls close at 7 p.m. For the part on eastern time (ET), polls close at 8 p.m. Voters must present a government-issued voter ID. Employees can take off up to three paid hours to vote, unless they have at least three hours available before or after work. Employees must give notice by noon on Election Day, and employers can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 7.

Texas

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must present a photo ID, but voters who say they can't obtain a photo ID can present non-photo ID and fill out a "Reasonable Impediment Declaration" to cast a regular ballot. Voters can take paid time off for as long as needed to vote, unless they have at least two hours available before or after work. Registration ended Oct. 7.

Utah

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must present ID with name and photo, or two forms of ID with name and address. Employees can take off up to two paid hours to vote, unless they have at least three hours available before or after work. Employees must provide notice before election day, and employers can determine the off hours, although employees can request to have time off at the start or end of a shift. Voters can register on Election 

Vermont

Polls open between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m., depending on the town, and all polls close at 7 p.m. Use the Secretary of State's website to find when your polling place opens. There is no voter ID requirement except for first-time voters who registered by mail. There is no time-off law. Voters can register on Election Day.

Virginia

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must present a photo ID, or else cast a provisional ballot. There is no time-off law. Registration ended Oct. 15. 

Washington state

There are no polling hours, time-off laws or voter ID requirements because all voting is done by mail. Registration ended Oct. 29.

Washington, D.C.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no voter ID requirement, but first-time voters who didn't provide proof of residence when registering by mail must provide proof of residence, and voters unable to produce ID can cast a special ballot and must show ID to the Board of Election within two days of the election. There is no time-off law. Voters can register on Election Day. 

West Virginia

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters must present ID at the polls, but it does not have to include a photo. Employees can take off up to three paid hours to vote, unless they have at least three hours available before or after work. Employees must give notice at least three days before Election Day, and employers in certain industries can determine the off hours. Registration ended Oct. 16.

Wisconsin

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must present photo ID. Voters can take off up to three unpaid hours to vote. They must provide notice before Election Day, and employers can determine the off hours. Voters can register on Election Day.

Wyoming

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Only first-time voters must present ID, and it does not have to include a photo. Employees can take off up to one paid hour to vote, unless they have at least three hours available before or after work. Voters can register on Election Day.


View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.