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2012 State Information: A-H | I-M | N-R | S-Z

US States I-M Voting Information 2012

Identification Requirements to Register and Vote: In most states, you will need to provide either your driver’s license OR your Social Security number when you register to vote, along with the street address of your current residence. In addition, some states require voters to bring specific types of ID with them to the polls on Election Day. The exact requirements differ from state to state. Be sure to check with the state election offices in your state (contact info below) to find out what types of ID may be required when you REGISTER TO VOTE and/or when you GO TO THE POLLS on ELECTION DAY TO VOTE.

In 2011, several state legislatures passed new voter identification and election laws that could potentially disenfranchise many voters in the General Elections. Please read our Voter Suppression Fact Sheet to get more information about passage of voter suppression laws. In addition to general election information, you will find information about all passed, proposed, and pending voter suppression legislation in each state. This is the most current information available, but could possibly change depending on when certain voter and election laws are implemented and if any pending legislation passes and is implemented before the Election Day. However, the requirements that are listed here for each state will most likely be requirements that will apply for the November 6, 2012 General Election.

In addition to voter registration drives, your feminist group can get paid to serve as county poll workers on Election Day. Learn more about being a pollworker in your state by visiting your Secretary of State's elections website or calling your county officials.

For federal resources on state voting, check out the US Election Assistance Commission, which has a national mail voter registration form (PDF) you can use to register in every state.

Remember, students have a right to register and vote where they go to school even if you do not intend to reside there permanently. If you have any problems, call a Campus Organizer at the Feminist Majority Foundation for assistance - (703) 522-2214 (East Coast) or (310) 556-2500 (West Coast).

IDAHO

Voter Registration Deadline: October 12, 2012.

Voter Registration Drive: Anyone may conduct a voter registration drive. You may obtain voter registration forms in bulk from the Secretary of State's office or the County Clerk's office.

Where to Register: You can download and print a voter registration form here (PDF).

Early Voting: Early voting starts as soon as ballots are available and ends at 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. Contact your county clerk for dates, times and location of early voting polling stations.

Polling Hours: The polls will be open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Election Day. Click here to find your polling location.

Voter ID Requirements: A valid photo ID MUST be accompanied with a voter registration application. Students may use a current valid student identification card from a post-secondary educational institution in Idaho in addition to a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address in the precinct.

Idaho has same day registration. Voters registering to vote at the polls on Election Day will need to present a valid photo ID.

The following are permissible forms of ID:
1. A valid Idaho driver's license
2. A valid Idaho ID card issued by the Department of Transportation
3. Any document, including a utility bill, paycheck, or any other document that contains a valid address, PLUS a picture ID
4. If you are a student, you can use a valid Student ID card from your school and a fee statement that shows your address in the precinct, PLUS a photo ID.

State Election Officials:
Secretary of State
700 West Jefferson, Room E205
PO Box 83720
Boise , ID 83720-0080
Phone: 208-334-2852
Fax: 208-334-2282
Email: elections@sos.idaho.gov
Web: http://www.idahovotes.gov/

ILLINOIS

Voter Registration Deadline: October 9, 2012

Voter Registration Drive: Bulk amounts of voter registration forms may be obtained by contacting your local board of elections. You and your volunteers for the voter registration drive will need to be deputized by your city/county clerk. Contact your local clerk for further information. Deputization is required for registering voters (you do not have to be deputized in order to distribute mail-in voter registration forms when the applicant returns the form on their own; these forms may be obtained from the local board). Deputization is a quick process to make sure you are clear on how to register others to vote.

Where to Register: You may obtain voter registration information at your local county clerk's office, board of election ' s office, city and village offices, township offices , from your c ommitteemen, some schools, some public libraries, some labor groups, some civic groups, some corporations, and military recruitment offices. Click here (PDF) to download a mail in voter registration application. You must have two forms of valid ID that show your current address to register. If you are unsure if you are registered to vote go here to find out!

Voter Suppression Legislation: House Bill 3058 and Senate Bill 2035 could require voters to present a government-issued ID; both bills are currently in committee.

Voter Identification Requirements: As the law stands now, voters are not generally required to present a government-issued ID. However if a voter did not submit a form of ID with their voter registration form they may be asked to present one at the polls. The following are acceptable forms of ID:

• a current and valid photo identification
• utility bill
• bank statement
• government check
• paycheck (or)
• government document.

Early Voting: Early Voting starts 22 days before the election until the fifth day before the election. Voters will be required to present a government-issued ID if they vote early. Go here to find early voting locations and times.

Voting Absentee (PDF): The deadline to submit a mail-in absentee ballot is November 1, 2012; for in-person it's November 5, 2012. Absentee voter applications will be available on 9/27/2012 on the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Polling Hours: 6:00am – 7:00pm; Click here to find your polling location.

State Election Offices:

Springfield Office
1020 S. Spring St.
Springfield, IL 62704
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30p.m.
Phone: 217-782-4141
Fax: 217-782-5959

Chicago Office
100 W. Randolph,Suite 14-100
Chicago, IL 60601
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30p.m.
Phone: 312-814-6440
Fax: 312-814-6485

Website: http://www.elections.il.gov/

INDIANA

Voter Registration Deadline: October 8, 2012

Voter Registration Drive: Bulk amounts of voter registration forms may be obtained by making copies of the electronic form found on the Secretary of State's website or by contacting your county clerk. Return forms to the county clerk.

Where to Register: Voters can mail-in a voter registration application. Go here (PDF) to download a voter registration application. There is ONLINE voter registration in Indiana. Please go here to register to vote online.

Voter Suppression Legislation: Senate Bill 483; signed into law. This legislation will require voters to present a government-issued photo ID. Indiana is among some of the states that have the strictest voter ID laws.

Voter Identification: Unfortunately Indiana no longer allows students to use their student ID as a valid form of identification. In addition, the new laws in Indiana specifically state that if a student plans to return to a parent's home address, that student will not be eligible to register to vote in the county where they go to school. A student ID from an Indiana State school may only be used if it meets all of the 4 criteria specified above. A student ID from a private institution may not be used for voting purposes. Read more information about this here.

The valid forms of ID in Indiana are as follows:

• Display your photo
• Display your name, and the name must conform to your voter registration record. Conform does not mean identical.
• Display an expiration date and either be current or have expired sometime after the date of the last General Election (Including Military IDs with expiration date of "INDEF")
• Be issued by the State of Indiana or the U.S. government
• In most cases, an Indiana driver license, Indiana photo ID card, Military ID or U.S. Passport is sufficient.

Please click here for more information about the specifications of what voters must present on Election Day.

Early Voting: Early voting starts 29 days before an election and ends at noon the day before an election.

Voting Absentee: The deadline to submit mail-in absentee ballot applications is October 29, 2012. Voters voting absentee-by-mail are NOT required to show photo ID. Go here to download an absentee ballot by mail application.

Polling Place: Some counties in Indiana have vote centers where a voter in that county does not necessarily have to vote at their assigned percent on Election Day. Voters can cast a ballot at these centers if they find it more convenient. Go here to find out more information. OR To find the polling place nearest you visit this page.

State Election Office:
Address: 302 West Washington St, Room E-204
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Website: http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/
Phone: 317-232-3939
Email: elections@iec.in.gov

IOWA

Voter Registration Deadline: October 29, 2011 and October 27, 2012 are the dates by which mail-in registration forms must be received, or so long as they are postmarked by October 24, 2011 and October 22, 2012 (15 days before Election Day). As of January 1, 2008, Iowa law allows voters to register to vote on Election Day at the polling place for the precinct you currently live in after showing proper identification you may register and vote at the precinct the same day. You must register to vote 10 days prior to Election Day to avoid having to show proof of residence for day-of election registration.

Voter Registration Drive: Any volunteer can hold a registration drive by picking up voter registration forms from the county auditor. You can also print the voter registration form from the internet and make photocopies onto regular white paper.

Where to Register: Download an Iowa voter registration form here (PDF). To register in person visit any of the following: office of the county auditor, driver's license stations, public assistance agencies, state offices serving people with disabilities

Voter Identification Requirements: Voters are required to present a valid form of ID when they register to vote. A voter cannot register to vote if they do not specify the proper ID in their application. Furthermore, if a voter does not have the correct information in by the deadline they will be allowed to vote absentee OR they may take advantage of same-day registration.

The following are permissible forms of ID for same-day voter registration:

You must present one of the following, provided such identification contains your photo and an expiration date:

• A current and valid Iowa driver's license or Iowa nonoperator's identification card
• An out- of-state driver's license or nonoperator's identification card.
• A United States passport.
• A United States military identification card.
• An identification card issued by an employer.
• A student identification card issued by an Iowa high school or an Iowa postsecondary educational institution.

If your photo ID does not contain your current address, you MUST ALSO present one of the following documents that shows your name and address in the precinct:

• Residential lease.
• Property tax statement.
• Utility bill.
• Bank statement.
• Paycheck.
• Government check.
• Other government document.
• You may establish identity and residency in the precinct by written oath of a person who is registered to vote in the precinct.

The following are permissible IDs for first-time voters if they have not present ID with their registration application:

• Utility bill.
• Bank statement.
• Paycheck.
• Government check.
• Other government document.

Early Voting: None, but the County Auditor's Offices are open for in-person absentee voting during regular business hours prior to Election Day, beginning as soon as ballots are available. They are also open the two Saturdays prior to Election Day.

Voting Absentee: Voters can request an absentee ballot application no later than November 2, 2012 at 5pm. Voters may turn an absentee ballot in to their polling location on Election Day. If a voter mails in a completed absentee ballot it must be postmarked the day before the election.

Polling hours: 7:00am – 9:-00pm; Click here to find your polling location.

State Election Officials:
First Floor, Lucas Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone Number: (515) 281-0145
Website: http://www.sos.state.ia.us/elections/index.html

KANSAS

Voter registration deadline: To vote in the August 7, 2012 Primary, you must register by July 23, 2012. To vote in the 2012 General Election, you must register by October 22, 2012. Registration forms must be received 15 days before an election.

Voter Registration Drive: Contact the Office of the Secretary of State for more information.

Early Voting: A voter can vote In-person in the county election office beginning the Tuesday before the election and in some counties twenty days before the election. The deadline to cast advance voting ballots in person in the office of the County Election Officer is noon the day before Election Day.

Where to Register: Download a voter registration application here (http://www.sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf). Voters can change their registration address online (https://www.kdor.org/voterregistration/Default.aspx).

Voter Suppression Legislation: HB 2067 (PDF) will require voters to present an unexpired government issued ID; students attended an accredited post-secondary institution will be allowed to use their student ID; passed and signed

Voter Identification Requirements: First-time voters must present an unexpired government issued ID ot student ID. Voters who do not have acceptable photo ID OR if their name and address on their ID does not match the poll book on Election Day can cast a provisional ballot, which will be counted if they present valid ID to the County Elections Officer before the certification of the election by the county board of canvassers. Exceptions to the photo ID requirement include those individuals with a permanent physical disability which prevents them from visiting a state agency to obtain photo ID, active military members and their families, and those whose religious belief prevent them from obtaining photo ID.

The following are permissible forms of ID:

• Valid Kansas driver's license
• Non-driver's identification card
• Utility bill
• Bank statement
• Paycheck
• Government check or other document

Voting Absentee: Applications for absentee ballots are due 90 days before the election. A mailed application for an advance voting ballot for the general presidential election must be received by the voter's local County Election Officer not later than November 2, 2012. Click here for an absentee ballot application. Completed ballots must be turned in by the close of the polls on Election Day.

Polling Hours: 7:00am – 7:00 pm; voters in line at 7:00pm will be permitted to cast a ballot.

State Election Officials:
(785) 296-4561
http://www.kssos.org/elections/elections_registration.html

KENTUCKY

Voter Registration Deadline: October 8, 2012

Voter Registration Drive: Bulk amounts of voter registration forms can be obtained from either your county clerk or the State Board of Elections. You may also make copies of the electronic form found on the State Board of Elections website at http://www.elect.ky.gov/register.htm. You may also request cards from your local county clerk. For a substantial number of voter registration cards, contact the State Board of Elections.

Where to Register: Persons can register at county clerk's offices or download a voter registration form and mail it to the State Board of Elections.

Voter Identification Requirements: The following are permissible forms of identification:

• Personal acquaintance or
• Document, such as a driver's license, Social Security card, or credit card. A photo ID is not required.

Early Voting: Voters with a valid excuse are able to vote starting 12 (or more) working days before the election and ends on Election Day. Voters are encouranged to check out the absentee voter information on the Kentucky State Board of Elections website, or contact them in advance.

Voting Absentee: The deadline to apply for mail in absentee is 7 days before the election. All completed ballots must be received by 6:00 pm on Election Day. You must contact the County Clerk to request a personalized absentee ballot.

Polling Hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

State Election Office:
Kentucky State Board of Elections
140 Walnut Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Website: http://www.elect.ky.gov/default.htm
Phone: 502-573-7100
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fax: 502-573-4369

LOUISIANA

Voter Registration Deadline: October 8, 2012

Voter Registration Drive: Volunteers holding a voter registration drive can request quantities of voter registration forms from the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office or the local Parish registrar's Office.

Where to Register: Download a Louisiana Voter Registration Application form here (PDF). In addition, voter registration forms are available at mandated sites including: Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicle offices, Louisiana Department of Social Services offices and WIC offices, Food Stamp offices, and Medicaid offices, Offices serving persons with disabilities, such as the Deaf Action Centers and Independent Living offices, and Armed Forces Recruitment offices.

Louisiana has ONLINE registration. Go here to register to vote online.

Voter Identification Requirement: Voters must present a valid photo ID.

The following are permissible forms of photo ID:

• A Louisiana driver's license
• A Louisiana special ID card
• Any other generally-accepted picture ID card

If a voter does not have a valid photo ID, then they can still cast a ballot if they sign an affidavit confirming their identity and present one of the following forms if ID with the voter's name and valid address:

• a utility bill
• payroll check, or
• any government document that includes your name and address

Early Voting: Voters can cast a ballot at their local Parish Registrar of Voters office beginning 14 days before an election and ending 7 days before an election. Early voting hours are 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Voting Absentee: If you plan to vote absentee download (PDF) and complete an application for an absentee ballot. The deadline to submit absentee ballots is November 5 (the day before Election Day).

Polling Hours: 6:00am – 8:00pm; Go here to find your polling location.

State Election Officials:
Website: http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/elections/elections-index.htm
Address: 8585 Archives Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
Phone: (225) 922-0900
Fax: (225) 922-0945

MAINE

Voter Registration Deadline: Mail-in applications must be in 21 days before the election. It is never too late to register to vote in Maine. Voters can take advantage of same-day registration.

Voter Registration Drive: Contact the Secretary of State Elections Division to request an order form which you will use to request a bulk amount of voter registration forms. You may make photocopies of completed voter registration forms ONLY if you cover the voter ID number on the form prior to copying. Return original forms to the Secretary of State's Election office.

Where to Register: Go here (PDF) to download a voter registration application. You can register to vote in person at your town office or city hall, at any Motor Vehicles branch office, at most state and federal service agencies, or at voter registration drives. Maine also has SAME-DAY REGISTRATION.

Voter Suppression Legislation: HP 176 would increase voter identification requirements; carried over to the next legislative session

Voter Identification Requirements: If voter has registered to vote before Election Day, you do not need ID at the polls. If a voter has not registered to vote before Election Day they will be required to present the following forms of ID:

• Drivers license number or last 4 digits of your social security number;

AND one of the following that shows your name and address:

• a current utility bill, a bank statement
• a paycheck
• or another government document

If you do not bring both of these in before Election Day, your name will still be put into the list of registered voters and you can cast a challenged ballot.

Early Voting: You can vote early via in-person absentee voting at your county clerk's office. Absentee ballots are available 30 to 45 days before the election (as soon as ballots are ready) and ends election day. You do not have to register to vote absentee if you vote in-person absentee at your county clerk's office.

Voting Absentee: Anyone can vote absentee, no matter what the reason. Go here to request an absentee ballot. All ballots are due no later than 8:00 pm on Election Day.

Polling Hours: Polls open between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, depending on location. Go here and ask your Town Clerk when your polling location opens.. All polls in Maine close at 8:00 pm.

State Election Office:
Maine Secretary of State Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions
Website: http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/
Phone: 207-624-7650
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
Email: cec.elections@maine.gov

MARYLAND

Voter Registration Deadline: October 6, 2012 mail-in registration forms must be postmarked.

Voter Registration Drive : Bulk amounts of registration forms may be obtained from your county election office, the State Board of Elections' office or you may download the registration form from the State Board of Election website and photocopy has many as you need. Return completed voter registration forms to your county election office.

Where to Register: Persons may download a voter registration form from the State Board of Elections' website and return it to their county election office via in person or mail or visit the county election office to complete the voter registration form there. Go here (PDF) to download an application.

Voter Identification Requirements: All first-time voters are required to have a valid form of ID when registering to vote. If a voter does not present the proper ID when registering to vote they may be required to present one of the following forms of ID:

• The voter's driver's license number, MVA ID card number or at least the last four digits of the voter's social security number, and election officials will attempt to verify this information with MVA or Social Security Administration.
• A copy of a current and valid photo identification (i.e., Maryland driver's license, MVA ID card, student or employee photo ID card, military ID card, passport, or any other State or federal government issued ID card).
• A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows the voter's name and address.

Early Voting: For 2012, early voting will be available starting the second Saturday before an election and ends the Thursday before an election, with the intermediate Sunday included.

Voting Absentee: Go here (PDF) to download an absentee ballot application. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 30, 2012 by 11:59 pm. Any voter wishing to request an absentee ballot after this deadline must do so in person.

If you mail your ballot, you must mail it on or before Election Day and it must be received by your local board of elections by 10 am on November 16, 2012 for the General Election.

Polling Hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm; Go here to find your polling location.

State Election Office:
Maryland State Board of Elections
Address: 151 West St. Suite 200
Annapolis, MD 21401
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6486
Annapolis, MD 21401-0486
Website: http://www.elections.state.md.us/index.html
Phone: 410-269-2840
Fax: 410-974-2019
Email: info@elections.state.md.us

MASSACHUSETTS

Voter Registration Deadline: October 17, 2012 mail-in registration forms must be postmarked for the General Election.

Voter Registration Drive: Contact the Massachusetts Elections Division office to request a large amount of voter registration forms. Return completed voter registration forms to your city or town division of elections. Do not make copies of completed voter registration forms.

Where to Register: Voters may request a registration form from the Massachusetts Elections Division website.

Voter Suppression Legislation: House Bill 191, House Bill 194, House Bill 1104, House Bill 1108, House Bill 1113, House Bill 1115, House Bill 1981, House Bill 2731, House Bill 3114, House Bill 3116, Senate Bill 316, Senate Bill 318, Senate Bill 320; all are currently in original committee.

Voter Identification: Identification is required for first-time voters who do not send a copy of their identification with their registration form.

The following are permissible forms of ID:

• a current and valid driver's license
• photo identification
• current utility bill
• bank statement
• paycheck
• government check
• other government document showing your name and address

Early Voting: There is no early voting in Massachusetts. You can apply to vote absentee in-person before election day if you will be out of town, are disabled, or are elderly. In-person absentee voting begins as soon as ballots are ready, typically about one month before elections.

Voting Absentee: Go here (PDF) to download an absentee ballot application. A completed absentee ballot application must be received by noon on the day before the election, and may be mailed or hand-delivered to your city or town hall. All absentee ballots must be received by the county elections office before the close of the polls on Election Day, which is 8:00 pm.

Polling Hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm; Go here to find your polling location.

State Election Office:
Massachusetts Elections Division
Address: McCormack Building, Room 1705
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
Website: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm
Phone: 617-727-2828
Fax: 617-742-3238
(new)Email: elections@sec.state.ma.us

MICHIGAN

Voter Registration Deadline: October 9, 2012 all mail-in applications must be postmarked.

Voter Registration Drive: Bulk amounts of voter registration forms may be obtained by requesting them from the Secretary of State's office. Please call the Division of Elections for the state of Michigan at 517-241-1763 to request the forms. Return original form to your local clerk.

Where to Register: Voters can download (PDF) a voter registration application and mail it in to the local county Board of Elections.

Voter Suppression Legislation: SB 76 (PDF); would make it more difficult for third party groups to conduct voter registration drives and would also require voters to present a photo ID at the polls.

Voter Identification:

• A Michigan driver's license. A Michigan personal ID card.
• A driver's license or personal ID card issued by another state.
• A federal or state government-issued photo ID
• A U.S. passport.
• A military ID with photo
• A student ID with photo - from a high school or accredited institution of higher education.
• A tribal ID with photo.

A voter without the required ID can still sign an affidavit and cast a regular ballot.

Early Voting: No Early Voting.

Voting Absentee: If you need an absentee application go here (PDF). Voters may apply to vote absentee between 75 days and 2:00 pm the Saturday before an election. In addition they may apply to vote absentee by mail or at the clerk of the township, city, or village where the voter is registered. A person qualified to vote as an absent voter may apply in person at the clerk's office before 4:00 p.m. on the day before the election (except a Sunday or holiday).

Polling Hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm; Go here to find your polling location.

State Election Office:
Michigan Secretary of State Division of Elections
Website: http://www.michigan.gov/sos
Phone: 517-241-1763 :

MINNESOTA

Voter Registration Deadline: All mail-in registration forms are due 21 days before the election.

Voter Registration Drive: A group or individual that accepts completed voter registration applications from a voter must submit the completed applications to the secretary of state or the appropriate county auditor within 10 calendar days after the applications are dated by the voter (MN 201.061.1).

Where to Register: Go here to download a voter registration application. Minnesota also has SAME-DAY registration. Go to the website to find information about the requirements for same-day registration.

Voter Suppression Legislation: SF 509; would require all voters to present a photo ID on Election Day; vetoed by governor last year.

Voter Identification: In Minnesota voters who are registered before Election Day will NOT be required to present ID, unless they did not send a copy of ID in when registering to vote. However, voters who wish to register on Election Day, must present one of the following forms of ID to prove residency:

• Minnesota Driver's License
• Minnesota ID Card
• United States Passport
• United States Military ID
• Minnesota University or Technical College ID
• Tribal ID Card

The following must be within thirty days of the election:

• Gas,
• electric,
• telephone,
• cellular phone,
• TV (cable, satellite),
• Solid Waste,
• Water,
• Sewer Services,
• Internet Services,
• Student Fee Statement,
• Rent Statement with Itemized Utilities

Early Voting: None; only in-person absentee voting is available.

Voting Absentee: Voters may cast an absentee ballot either in-person, through the mail, or by a designated agent usually at the county Auditor's Office. Voting absentee in-person is available 30 days before the election during normal business hours Monday – Friday, the last Saturday before Election Day from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and the day before Election Day until 5:00 pm. Absentee ballots by mail must be at NOT postmarked the County Auditor's Office the day before the Election. Go here to access an absentee ballot.

Polling Hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm; Go here to find your polling location.

State Election Officials:
Website: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=4
Phone: 1-877-600-8683

MISSISSIPPI

Voter Registration Deadline: Voters are required to have their mail-in voter application at least 30 days before the election or October 6, 2012.

Voter Registration Drive: Bulk amounts of voter registration forms may be picked up in either the Secretary of State's office or your county clerk's office. Return original forms to your county clerk.

Where to Register: Voters may download a voter registration form (PDF) from the Mississippi Secretary of State Elections Division website or they may visit their county clerk's office to register in person.

Voter Suppression Legislation: Ballot Initiative 27; will require voters to present a government-issued ID at the polls on Election Day; initiative passed in November 2011; House Bill 921 (PDF); the legislation to support the ballot initiative that was passed. Although these new election laws have passed, Mississippi must be pre-cleared by the Department of Justice under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Voter Identification Requirements: Until the Department of Justice clears Mississippi with the new voter identification laws, the following are the requirements for voters in the General Election:

Only first-time voters that did not present identification when registering to vote must present one of the forms of acceptable IDs:

• Utility bill
• Bank statement
• Government check
• Paycheck
• Any other government document showing the name and address of the applicant

Early Voting: None.

Voting Absentee: Contact your county voter registrar to request an absentee ballot. Voters may vote in-person at the Office of the Registrar until 12:00 p.m. on the Saturday before the elections. All mailed absentee ballots must be received by the registrar by 5:00 pm on the day before the election.

Polling Hours: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. Go here to find your polling location.

State Election Officials
Website: http://www.sos.ms.gov/elections_voter_info_center_faqs.aspx
Elections Hotline: 800-829-6786
Elections Call center: 601-576-2550

MISSOURI

Voter Registration Deadline: October 10, 2012 mail-in registration forms must be postmarked.

Voter Registration Drive: Voter registration applications are available at County Clerk's offices, DMV offices, and state agencies that serve the public. Call the Secretary of State's Elections Division for an order form requesting a bulk number of official voter registration forms, or photocopy the National Mail Voter Registration Form http://www.eac.gov/voter_resources/register_to_vote.aspx.

Where to Register: Download a voter registration form here (PDF). Fill it out and mail it in to the State Board of Elections or to the county election official.

Voter Suppression Legislation: Senate Joint Resolution 2 (PDF); would create strict voter ID laws; passed by House and Senate, but vetoed by Governor. However this piece of legislation could be an initiative on the ballot in November 2012.

Voter Identification Requirements: Registered voters need to present ONE of the following types of ID to vote:

• ID issued by the Federal Government, state of Missouri, or a local election authority
• ID issued by a Missouri institution (public or private) of higher education, including a university, college, vocational and technical school
• A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document that contains the name and address of the voter Driver's license or state identification card issued by another state.

If you do not possess any of these forms of identification, you may still cast a ballot if two supervising election judges, one from each major political party, attest they know you.

Early Voting: None.

Voting Absentee: If the absentee application is submitted by mail, by fax, or by a guardian or relative, then it cannot be submitted after 5:00 pm on the Wednesday immediately before an election. Completed absentee ballots must be received by county election officials either in person or by mail at or before the polls close on Election Day. Go here (PDF) to download an absentee ballot application.

Polling Hours: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm. Go here to find your polling location.

State Election Officials:
Website: http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/
Phone: (800) NOW-VOTE

MONTANA

Voter Registration Deadline: October 9, 2012 is the date by which mail-in registration forms must be postmarked to qualify to vote for the 2012 General Election. If you miss that deadline, you can still register and vote in the election by late registering at your county election office. Late registration begins the next day, and ends at the close of polls on Election Day (except from noon until 5:00 pm on the day before Election Day). Late registration (PDF) can only be done at the county election administrator's office.

Where to register: Go here (PDF) to download a voter registration application.

Voter Identification Requirements: Voters in Montana are required to present an ID when going to vote. Voters must present one of the following forms of permissible ID:

• a photo ID,
• a current utility bill,
• bank statement,
• paycheck,
• voter confirmation notice,
• government check or other government document that shows your name and current address.

If you do not have any of the items listed above, you can still vote by requesting and filling out a "Polling Place Elector ID" form. Or you can vote a provisional ballot and provide one of the items listed above. Your provisional ballot will be counted if you provide one of the items on the list to the county election office by 5:00 pm the day after the election, or mail it to the county election office postmarked by the day after the election.

Early Voting: None; only in-person absentee.

Voting Absentee: Applications for absentee voting are available 75 days before the election and ending noon the day before the election. All completed absentee ballots are due before the close of the polls on Election Day. Click here (PDF) to download an absentee ballot application.

Polling Hours: Poll hours of operation vary. Polling places open between 7:00 am and 12:00 pm and close at 8:00 pm. Precincts of 200 or fewer voters may open their polling places at noon. Contact your local elections official (PDF) for exact times.

State Election Officials:
(406) 444-4732
(888) 884-8683 (VOTE)
http://sos.mt.gov/Elections/index.asp

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