{{Short description|Laws requiring proof of identity to vote}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}} [[File:Titeleitorindia2006.jpg|thumb|A [[Guarani-Kaiowá]] Native Brazilian shows her voter identification, September 2006.]] {{Voting sidebar}} A '''voter identification law''' is a law that requires a person to show some form of [[Identity document|identification]] to vote. In some jurisdictions requiring photo IDs, voters who do not have photo ID often must have their identity verified by someone else (such as in Sweden) or sign a Challenged Voter Affidavit (such as in [[New Hampshire]]) to receive a ballot to vote.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Voter ID |url=https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=[[North Carolina State Board of Elections]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The right to vote in Sweden |url=https://www.norden.org/en/info-norden/right-vote-sweden |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=[[Nordic Council]] |language=en}}</ref> Free or affordable voter or photo identification proving [[citizenship]] was argued to put no significant [[Burden of proof (law)|burden]] on voters in the United States.<ref name="a944">{{cite web | title=Crawford v. Marion County Election Board, 553 U.S. 181 (2008) | website=Justia Law | date=2007 | url=https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/553/181/ | access-date=2026-03-15}}</ref> Voter ID was found to have no negative impact on [[voter turnout]].<ref name="g269">{{cite journal | last1=Cantoni | first1=Enrico | last2=Pons | first2=Vincent | title=Strict Id Laws Don't Stop Voters: Evidence from a U.S. Nationwide Panel, 2008–2018 | journal=The Quarterly Journal of Economics | volume=136 | issue=4 | date=2021 | issn=0033-5533 | doi=10.1093/qje/qjab019 | pages=2615–2660 | url=https://academic.oup.com/qje/article/136/4/2615/6281042 | access-date=2026-03-10}}</ref> [[Photo identification|Photo ID]] was required by 176 countries or jurisdictions for voting as of 2021.<ref name="a928">{{cite journal | last=Barton | first=Tom | title=Understanding a Key Electoral Tool: A New Dataset on the Global Distribution of Voter Identification Laws | journal=Representation | volume=60 | issue=2 | date=2024 | issn=0034-4893 | doi=10.1080/00344893.2022.2113117 | pages=253–277 | url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00344893.2022.2113117 | access-date=2026-02-06| url-access=subscription }}</ref>
==By country==
=== Argentina === In Argentina, [[Compulsory voting|voting is compulsory]] for all citizens between 18 and 70 years old, non-compulsory for those older than 70 and between 16 and 18, and citizens with domiciles in foreign countries. To vote they must present a valid [[Documento Nacional de Identidad (Argentina)|Documento Nacional de Identidad]] at the corresponding voting center.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 November 2012 |title=Argentina voting age lowered from 18 to 16 |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-20164573 |access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref>
Other countries in Latin America have similar policies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 January 2023 |title=2023 Elections in Latin America: A Preview |url=https://www.as-coa.org/articles/2023-elections-latin-america-preview |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=AS/COA |language=en}}</ref>
===Australia=== In Australia, voting is compulsory for all adult citizens. Failure to cast a ballot in a federal election without a valid reason may {{as of|2023|lc=yes}} attract a fine of {{AUD|20}}, and each state imposes its own fines for the same offence in state elections.<ref>{{cite web | title=Fine for Not Voting | website=Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia | date=16 April 2023 | url=https://www.criminaldefencelawyers.com.au/blog/penalty-for-not-enrolling-to-vote-in-australia-fine-for-not-voting/ | access-date=7 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Failing to vote | website=Armstrong Legal | date=2 August 2021 | url=https://www.armstronglegal.com.au/criminal-law/national/offences/failing-to-vote/ | access-date=7 September 2023}}</ref>
No form of ID is required to cast a ballot in person at a polling location; instead, voters are asked three questions before being issued a ballot, so that they can be checked off the [[electoral roll]]: name, residence address, and if they have voted before in this election.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lowrey |first=Tom |date=28 October 2021 |title=Fears voter ID laws before Parliament will disenfranchise most vulnerable |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-28/voter-id-laws-to-require-proof-could-disenfranchise-vulnerable/100575812 |access-date=18 May 2023}}</ref> On election day, voters can vote at any polling place in their state of residence, and at selected polling places in other states.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Voting options |url=https://www.aec.gov.au/voting/ways_to_vote/ |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Australian Electoral Commission |language=en-AU}}</ref>
If a person is voting by mail, they are required to include their {{failed verification span|text=Australian driver's licence or Australian passport number|reason=no ID requirements are specified in the cited document|date=November 2024}} and the address they are currently enrolled at.<ref>{{Cite web |work=[[Australian Electoral Commission]] |access-date=8 July 2024 |title=How to vote by mail |url=https://www.aec.gov.au/about_aec/Publications/easy-read/files/vote-mail-easy-eng.pdf}}</ref>
To register to vote, Australians must fill out a form, provide identification,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enrol to vote |url=https://www.aec.gov.au/enrol/ |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=[[Australian Electoral Commission]] |language=en-AU}}</ref> and send it in the mail. After submission, the form's contents, in particular the registered voter's identity in most states, are not double checked by the government.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Voter Identification in Australia |url=https://aceproject.org/main/english/ei/eiy_au01.htm |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=[[ACE Electoral Knowledge Network]] }}</ref>
In October 2021, the [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]] [[Morrison government]] had plans for a Voter ID Law: under the proposed voter integrity bill, a voter unable to produce ID can still vote if their identity can be verified by another voter, or by casting a declaration vote, which requires further details, such as date of birth and a signature.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Karp |first1=Paul |title=Proposed voter ID laws 'real threat' to rights of Indigenous Australians and people without homes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/oct/27/proposed-voter-id-laws-real-threat-to-rights-of-indigenous-australians-and-people-without-homes |website=The Guardian |date=27 October 2021 |access-date=20 November 2022}}</ref>
===Brazil=== In Brazil, voting is compulsory for all citizens between 18 and 70 years old.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/jpla/article/view/23/23.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518024148/http://hup.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/jpla/article/view/23/23 |first=Timothy J. |last=Power |title=Compulsory for Whom? Mandatory Voting and Electoral Participation in Brazil, 1986–2006 |journal=Journal of Politics in Latin America |date=22 April 2009 |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=97–122 |doi=10.1177/1866802X0900100105 |archive-date=18 May 2009 |doi-access=free }}</ref> To vote, all citizens must: * Be registered to vote, get a voter ID card, called "Título Eleitoral" aka "Título de Eleitor" in Brazil. Presenting the voter ID card when voting is optional. * Report in person to the voting section.<ref>[http://www.tse.jus.br/eleitor/zonas-eleitorais Zonas eleitorais] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904212319/http://www.tse.jus.br/eleitor/zonas-eleitorais |date=4 September 2013 }}, 25 de janeiro de 2013 – 16h05 (in Portuguese)</ref> * Present an official [[identity document]] with photo, usually the regular ID card ([[cédula de identidade]]).
Since 2006, the Brazilian Electoral Justice has been re-registering voters with [[biometric identification]]. For the 2014 elections, it was predicted that more than 22 million voters out of 141 million<ref>[http://www.tse.jus.br/eleicoes/biometria-e-urna-eletronica Biometria e urna eletrônica] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819233709/http://www.tse.jus.br/eleicoes/biometria-e-urna-eletronica |date=19 August 2013 }}, 21 de junho de 2013 – 18h31 (in Portuguese)</ref> would be identified by fingerprints.<ref>[http://english.tse.jus.br/electronic-voting/the-biometrical-system-in-brazil The Biometrical System in Brazil]{{Dead link|date=March 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}, 27 de junho de 2013 – 18h29</ref>
===Canada===
====Federal elections==== In Canada, the Federal government mails an [[Elections Canada]] registration confirmation card, which the voter takes to the polling station. The card tells the individual where and when to vote. Voters must prove their identity and address with one of three options:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Canada |first=Elections |date=4 April 2023 |title=ID to Vote |url=https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&dir=ids&document=index&lang=e |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=www.elections.ca}}</ref> * Show one original government-issued piece of identification with photo, name and address, like a driver's license or a health card. * Show two original pieces of authorized identification. Both pieces must have a name and one must also have an address. Examples: student ID card, birth certificate, public transportation card, utility bill, bank/credit card statement, etc. * Take an oath and have an elector who knows the voter vouch for them (both of whom must make a sworn statement). This person must have authorized identification and their name must appear on the list of electors in the same polling division as the voter. This person can only vouch for one person and the person who is vouched for cannot vouch for another elector.
====Provincial elections==== Voter identification regulations vary from province to province. In [[Ontario]], "ID is required to vote or to add or update your voter information on the voters list" and a substantial number of acceptable IDs, which do not need to be photo IDs, are accepted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acceptable documents for voter identification |work=2022 Voters' Guide – Ontario municipal council and school board elections |via=ontario.ca |url=https://www.ontario.ca/document/2022-voters-guide-ontario-municipal-council-and-school-board-elections/acceptable |access-date=18 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In [[Quebec]], the voter must show one of five government-issued photo IDs, and if lacking any of these, will be directed to the identity verification panel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Can you vote? |url=https://www.electionsquebec.qc.ca/en/vote/can-you-vote/ |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Élections Québec |date=17 May 2021 |language=en-CA}}</ref> In [[British Columbia]], "all voters must prove their identity and residential address before voting", with three options offered for identification.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 April 2017 |title=Voter ID |url=https://elections.bc.ca/voting/what-you-need-to-vote/voter-id/ |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Elections BC}}</ref>
===Czech Republic=== In the Czech Republic, [[voter registration]] of Czech citizens is automatic and requires no action from the eligible person; citizens of other EU countries residing in the Czech Republic have to actively visit a local government office if they wish to register.<ref>{{Cite web |title=For foreigners – voters – Volby |url=https://www.mvcr.cz/volby/clanek/for-foreigners-voters.aspx |access-date=26 September 2023 |website=www.mvcr.cz |language=cs}}</ref> All voters have to present an eligible form of [[Photo identification|photo ID]], such as a passport or compulsory [[Czech national identity card]] at a [[polling station]] before they are allowed to vote. Not all photo IDs are eligible (for example, a driver's license is not allowed). No person is allowed to vote before presenting an eligible photo ID.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Co s sebou k volbám – Volby |url=https://www.mvcr.cz/volby/clanek/co-s-sebou-k-volbam.aspx |access-date=26 September 2023 |website=www.mvcr.cz |language=cs}}</ref> The legal requirement to present a photo ID has been in effect since 1 August 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=CS |first=AION |title=204/2000 Sb. Zákon, kterým se mění zákon č. 247/1995 Sb., o volbách do Parlamentu České republiky a o změně a dop... |url=https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2000-204/zneni-20020101 |access-date=26 September 2023 |website=Zákony pro lidi |language=cs}}</ref>
===Finland=== In [[Elections in Finland|Finnish elections]], eligible voters are sent a notice of the right to vote (notification of eligibility) to their home address by mail. The notification of eligibility will designate a voter's polling station, where voters must cast their vote, if voting on election day. Advance voting is possible at any of the general advance polling stations in Finland or abroad. Voters must present an identity document when voting.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elections and voting in Finland |url=https://www.infofinland.fi/en/information-about-finland/elections-and-voting-in-finland |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=www.infofinland.fi |language=en}}</ref>
===France=== In France, voters must prove their identity when registering to vote, with proof of address (phone, water or electricity bill) and an identity document that proves your nationality: National Identity Card or Passport. On the day of the vote, in towns larger than 1,000 inhabitants, an identity document is required.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1367|title=Listes électorales : nouvelle inscription|access-date=6 March 2018|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1361|title=Quelle pièce d'identité peut-on présenter pour voter ?|access-date=6 March 2018|language=fr}}</ref>
===Germany=== In Germany, due to compulsory registration of residence with the municipality, the voter roll is kept automatically without any need to register to vote. Everyone eligible to vote receives a personal polling notification by mail, 4 to 8 weeks before the election. The notification indicates the voter's precinct polling station. Voters must present their polling notification and, if asked, a piece of photo ID (identity card or passport issued by the government). If the voter cannot present the notification, a valid photo ID and an entry in the register of voters can qualify for voting.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/service/glossar/a/ausweispflicht.html |work=[[Federal Returning Officer]] |title=Ausweispflicht |trans-title=Duty to provide identification |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727140431/http://www.bundeswahlleiter.de/de/glossar/texte/Ausweispflicht.html |archive-date=27 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=§ 56 BWO – Einzelnorm |url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bwo_1985/__56.html |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=www.gesetze-im-internet.de}}</ref>
=== Greece === Voters identify themselves by their ID cards and are given the full number of ballot papers for the constituency, plus a blank ballot paper and an empty envelope.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Information for the Voters |url=https://www.ypes.gr/en/information-for-the-voters/ |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=Υπουργείο Εσωτερικών |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Hungary=== Voting is voluntary for all citizens 18 years or older. All voters should show a photo ID and an address card. To prevent duplicate voting, they need to register themselves if they want to vote at a different place to the residence on their address card.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarkadi |first=Zsuzsanna |date=21 January 2022 |title=General elections in Hungary |url=https://hungariancitizenship.eu/blog/general-elections-in-hungary/ |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=Hungarian Citizenship |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Iceland=== Voting is voluntary for all citizens 18 years or older in Iceland. All voters must present photo ID to vote for their preferred candidate. To prevent duplicate voting fraud, every voter is checked against the national voter database before their ballot is placed into the ballot box.<ref>{{Cite web |title=24/2000: Lög um kosningar til Alþingis |url=https://www.althingi.is/lagas/148b/2000024.html |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=Alþingi |language=is}}</ref>
===India=== [[File:Showing voter ID - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg|thumb|Indian voter ID]] The Indian [[voter ID (India)|voter ID]] card is an [[identity document]] issued by the [[Election Commission of India]] to adult domiciles of India who have reached the age of 18, which primarily serves as identity proof for Indian citizens while casting their ballot in the country's municipal, state, and national [[Elections in India|elections]]. It also serves as general identity, address, and age proof for other purposes, such as buying a mobile phone [[Subscriber identity module|SIM card]] or applying for a passport. It also serves as a [[Travel Document]] to travel to [[Nepal]] and [[Bhutan]] by land or air.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Visiting Abroad |url=https://boi.gov.in/content/indian-passengers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130716023610/https://boi.gov.in/content/indian-passengers |archive-date=16 July 2013 |website=Bureau of Immigration}}</ref> It is known as an Electoral Photo ID Card (EPIC). They were first introduced in 1993 during the tenure of the [[Chief Election Commissioner of India|Chief Election Commissioner]] [[T. N. Seshan|TN Seshan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci/eci.html |title=Election Commission of India |publisher=Eci.nic.in |access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref> There are 11 other types of alternative identification documents specified which can be accepted for voting.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/11-documents-will-be-accepted-as-id-proof/article26596579.ece|title=11 documents will be accepted as ID proof|work= The Hindu |date=21 March 2019 |access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref>
===Ireland=== In Ireland, voters receive a polling card in advance of any [[Elections in the Republic of Ireland|election or referendum]]. While it is not necessary to bring this along to vote, voters are required to bring identification with them to vote. Acceptable forms of identification include passports (including [[Irish passport#Passport Card|Irish passport cards]]), driving licences, workplace identity cards (with a photograph), student identity cards (with a photograph), travel documents (with a photograph), [[Personal Public Service Number|Public Services Cards]] or a bank or credit union account book with an address in the [[Dáil constituencies|constituency]]. If the individual does not have one of these, they can also present a cheque book or card, a credit card or birth or marriage certificate, together with proof of address in the constituency (e.g. a utility bill).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Voting in a general election |url=https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/government-in-ireland/elections-and-referenda/voting/voting-procedure-in-a-general-election/ |access-date=21 May 2023 |website=CitizensInformation.ie |language=en}}</ref>
===Israel=== Similar to Germany, there is a national voters' database, and photo ID is required (identity card, passport or driving licence).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.gov.il/en/departments/faq/elections_faq |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=GOV.IL |language=en}}</ref>
===Italy=== Italy requires voters to present a photo ID (ID card, driver license, passport) and a voter card ("Tessera elettorale"), which can also be issued on election day.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 September 2022 |title=Tessera elettorale: informazioni e modalità di consegna |url=https://www.comune.verona.it/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=2296&tt=verona_agid |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=Comune di Verona |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chiedere il rilascio della tessera elettorale {{!}} Sportello Telematico Unificato STU3 |url=https://sportellotelematico.comune.paullo.mi.it/action%3As_italia%3Atessera.elettorale |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=sportellotelematico.comune.paullo.mi.it |language=it}}</ref>
=== Luxembourg === In principle, Luxembourg requires voters to present their passport, identity card, residence permit or visa when voting. However, a derogation allows for this requirement to be waived if a member of staff at the polling station can personally vouch for the identity of the voter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Élections législatives, européennes et communales – Legilux |url=https://legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/recueil/elections/20190216 |access-date=10 May 2022 |website=legilux.public.lu}}</ref>
===Mexico=== [[File:MexicoVoterID.jpg|thumb|Mexican voter ID]] In Mexico, voting is a voluntary right and is exercised protected by secrecy. Electoral laws are created by the federal government through the [[National Electoral Institute|INE]]: [[National Electoral Institute]] (formerly [[Instituto Federal Electoral|IFE]]: Instituto Nacional Electoral 1990–2014). A free photo ID called the [[Voter Credential]] card is issued by right to all citizens of Mexico over the age of 18, but sometimes months prior.{{clarify|date=July 2024}} Being allowed to commence paperwork before turning 18 is decided upon the day and month of birth, and how it plays in the current year's electoral calendar, as the institute suspends all new registries several months prior to any election. This allows young Mexicans turning 18 within an inactive period to still enroll and guarantee their right to participate in the coming election. The full legal age in Mexico is 18 for both born and naturalized citizens.
The [[Voter Credential|voter ID card]] was introduced in 1990 by the now inactive [[Instituto Federal Electoral|IFE]] as a tool to "properly identify electors in a country with a history of voters casting multiple ballots and curious vote counts resulting in charges of fraud."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Agren |first1=David |title=Mexico's national voter IDs part of culture |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-01-22/mexico-national-voter-ID-cards/52779410/1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161128022908/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-01-22/mexico-national-voter-ID-cards/52779410/1 |archive-date=28 November 2016 |url-status=dead |access-date=24 June 2018 |publisher=USA Today |date=25 January 2012 }}</ref> After 2014 the [[Instituto Federal Electoral|IFE]] was deemed permanently inactive due to minor constitutional reforms; therefore, the INE was simultaneously created. Although both institutes carry out almost exactly the same tasks and duties, this change allowed for yet further homogenization of elections in the country and opening way to what many Mexicans and members of the international community call the first ever legal elections in the country, in 2017. While there is no single official identity document in Mexico, the [[Instituto Nacional Electoral|INE]] voter's ID is currently the most widely accepted identity document in the country for legal, commercial and financial purposes, making it a vital document for all Mexicans over the age of 18, and consequently broadening the chance for more citizens participating on election day.
=== Namibia === In [[Namibia]], voter ID is needed to cast a ballot. Voter registration cards include a photo and evidence of citizenship.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A to Z guide to voting|url=https://www.namibian.com.na/index.php?page=archive-read&id=7415|access-date=11 July 2021|website=The Namibian|language=en}}</ref>
===Netherlands=== The [[registration office]] of each municipality in the Netherlands maintains a registration of all residents. Every eligible voter receives a personal voting notification by mail some weeks before the election, indicating the voting stations in the voter's municipality. Voters must present their voting notification and a photo ID (passport, [[identity card]], or [[drivers license]] (a passport or ID is mandatory from the age of 14)). Such photo ID may be expired, but not by more than five years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://valg.no/en/about-the-election/about-the-election/frequently-asked-questions-faqs/ |title=Frequently asked questions (FAQs) |access-date=13 October 2017 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>
=== New Zealand === Identification does not need to be presented when voting, or enrolling to vote, in elections in New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Orr|first=Graeme|title=Voter ID is a bad idea. Here's why |url=https://theconversation.com/voter-id-is-a-bad-idea-heres-why-170777|access-date=29 November 2021|website=The Conversation|date=3 November 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=6 October 2017|title=No ID needed to enrol – or vote – in New Zealand|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/201861502/no-id-needed-to-enrol-or-vote-in-new-zealand|access-date=29 November 2021|website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref> When voting, voters need to confirm their name, and sometimes their address and occupation, and will then be marked off the electoral roll.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=7 September 2017|title=How to vote in the 2017 NZ election when it early voting opens|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96583147/how-to-vote-in-the-2017-nz-election-all-the-tips-and-tricks-you-need-to-be-wary-of|access-date=29 November 2021|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref> In more recent elections (such as in [[2017 New Zealand general election|2017]] and [[2020 New Zealand general election|2020]]), Easyvote cards were mailed to enrolled voters to make the process faster.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=27 July 2020|title=Election 2020: When, where and how you can cast your vote in the election|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/122255077/election-2020-when-where-and-how-you-can-cast-your-vote-in-the-election|access-date=29 November 2021|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref>
===Norway=== Citizens must bring an ID to vote. A polling card or simply stating a name and date of birth is not sufficient.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.valg.no/en/for-voters/re-election-for-the-county-council-election-in-moss-municipality/proof-of-identity/ |title=Proof of identity |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> Voting is voluntary, but to be eligible for parliamentary elections, a person must be a Norwegian citizen, at least 18 years old, and either currently or previously registered as a resident in Norway's Population Register.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.valg.no/en/elections2/elections-in-norway/elections-to-the-storting--parliamentary-elections/ |title=Elections to the Storting – parliamentary elections |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.valg.no/om-valg/valgene-i-norge/stortingsvalg/ |title=Stortingsval |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref> Voting must take place at a polling station or a Norwegian embassy (for those abroad). Voters who cannot access a polling station due to illness or disability may apply to vote from home or another location. In such cases, an electoral officer will come to the voter, and the process will follow the same procedure as at a polling station.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.valg.no/for-velgere/kommunestyre--og-fylkestingsvalget-2023/stemme-hjemme/ |title=Voting from home |access-date=3 November 2024}}</ref>
===Sweden=== When physically voting on election day or during early voting, every voter must provide a valid identification document (such as a passport, drivers license, or an international ID card, issued by the Swedish police). If a voter is missing valid identification, another person with valid ID-documents can certify the identity of the documentless voter.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 April 2023 |title=Rösta på valdagen |url=https://val.se/att-rosta/var-rostar-jag/rosta-pa-valdagen.html |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=val.se |language=sv}}</ref>
===Switzerland=== There are up to three different ways to vote at the national and cantonal level in Switzerland: 1) directly at the polling station, bringing along the voting material sent by mail three to four weeks before election day; 2) postal voting, by following the instructions included in the voting material sent by mail; 3) voting online, offered in 10 cantons at the beginning of 2019, but not yet at the national level.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Where and when to vote? |url=https://www.ch.ch/en/votes-and-elections/elections/where-and-when-to-vote/ |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=www.ch.ch |language=en}}</ref> E-voting is a contentious issue, particularly with regard to a projected digital ID, which raises concerns regarding confidentiality, security and verifiability.
===United Kingdom=== Photographic identification is mandatory to vote in elections in [[England]] and [[Northern Ireland]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Elections|url=https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/elections|website=NI Direct|date=13 November 2015|access-date=5 July 2017}}</ref> and in [[General election|general elections]] since 2023.
In [[Scotland]] and [[Wales]], there is no requirement to present photo ID, outside of general elections. Before any election, all eligible voters are sent a [[poll card]] by their local authority, but it is not a requirement to be in possession of a poll card to vote.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ways of voting|url=https://www.gov.uk/voting-in-the-uk/polling-stations|website=gov.uk|publisher=HM Government|access-date=5 July 2017}}</ref> Voters are asked to give their name and address at the polling station.
A voter ID trial was held for the [[2018 United Kingdom local elections]] by the then [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] government. Voters in five local authorities in England ([[2018 Bromley London Borough Council election|Bromley]], [[2018 Gosport Borough Council election|Gosport]], [[2018 Swindon Borough Council election|Swindon]], [[2018 Watford Borough Council election|Watford]] and [[2018 Woking Borough Council election|Woking]]) were required to show ID before voting.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Swinford|first1=Steven|title=Voters may have to show ID to combat voter fraud in 'vulnerable' areas|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/27/voters-will-have-show-passports-combat-voter-fraud-vulnerable/|access-date=5 July 2017|publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph|Daily Telegraph]]|date=27 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/apr/28/polling-station-voter-id-plans-are-deeply-flawed-say-critics |title=Polling station voter ID plans are deeply flawed, say critics |last=Press Association |date=28 April 2018 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=29 April 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The legal basis for the trial was contested,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/jun/06/uks-voter-id-trial-in-local-elections-could-be-illegal-barristers |title=UK's voter ID trial in local elections could be illegal – barristers |last=Walker |first=Peter |date=6 June 2018 |access-date=6 June 2018 | work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en}}</ref> but upheld in ''[[R (on the application of Coughlan) v Minister for the Cabinet Office]]''.<ref name=J>{{cite web |title=R (on the application of Coughlan) (Appellant) v Minister for the Cabinet Office (Respondent) |url=https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/docs/uksc-2020-0129-judgment.pdf |website=[[Supreme Court of the United Kingdom]] |access-date=10 May 2023}}</ref>
Voter ID legislation was part of the [[2021 State Opening of Parliament|2021 Queen's Speech]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=11 May 2021|title=Queen's Speech: What did she say at the State Opening of Parliament?|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/queen-speech-today-what-time-b1845412.html|access-date=12 May 2021|website=The Independent|language=en}}</ref> In 2022, the Conservative government passed the [[Elections Act 2022]]. The Act introduces voter [[photo identification]] for in-person voting to Great Britain for the first time. The requirement applies to [[Elections in the United Kingdom|UK general elections]], English local elections, and [[police and crime commissioner]] elections in England and Wales.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-60037651 | title=Elections Bill: MPS approve plans for voter ID checks | work=BBC News | date=18 January 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MPs vote for controversial legislation to introduce voter ID |url=https://news.sky.com/story/mps-vote-for-controversial-legislation-to-introduce-voter-id-12518783 |access-date=19 May 2023 |website=Sky News |language=en}}</ref>
In June 2023, the UK [[Electoral Commission (United Kingdom)|Electoral Commission]] found that 14,000 people were turned away from voting during the local elections in May for not having a required form of ID.<ref>{{cite news |title= ID rules stopped 14,000 people voting, watchdog finds |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65988959 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> The Commission stated that there were "concerning" signs that voters with disabilities, unemployed people and people from particular ethnic groups could be disproportionately affected by the new ID rules. The Commission also carried out separate polling which found that 4% of people who did not vote did not because of the new ID rules; it estimated that at least 400,000 people could not or chose not to vote due to the new ID rules.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Peter |last2= |first2= |date=23 June 2023 |title=Voter ID: 14,000 were denied vote in England local elections, watchdog finds |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jun/23/at-least-14000-people-denied-vote-due-to-lack-of-voter-id-watchdog-finds |access-date=23 June 2023 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
===United States=== {{See also|Voter identification laws in the United States|Crawford v. Marion County Election Board}} [[File:Map of US Voter ID Laws by State.svg|thumb|upright=1.6|Voter ID laws by state, {{as of|2025|03|df=US|lc=y}}: {{legend|#FF0000|Photo ID required (strict)}} {{legend|#FF8000|Photo ID requested (non-strict)}} {{legend|#0000FF|Non-photo ID required (strict)}} {{legend|#0080FF|Non-photo ID requested (non-strict)}} {{legend|#D3D3D3|No ID required to vote on election day, photo ID may be used as an option on election day and may be the primary way voters register prior to the election. Alternate forms of identification may be allowed for those without a government issued photo ID.}}]] Many states have some form of voter ID requirement, which has been allowed to stand by the [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/united-states/2011/09/17/first-show-your-face |title=Voter identification: First, show your face |newspaper=The Economist |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=12 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Wolf |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/03/23/supreme-court-voter-id-wisconsin/25108917/ |title=Supreme Court lets Wisconsin voter ID law stand |work=USA Today |date=23 March 2015 |access-date=4 December 2015}}</ref> {{As of|April 2023}}, nineteen states have a requirement for a photo ID.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Voter ID Laws |url=https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=www.ncsl.org}}</ref>
Public opinion polls have shown broad support for voter ID laws among voters in the United States. A 2011 [[Rasmussen poll]] found that 75% of likely voters "believe voters should be required to show photo identification, such as a driver's license, before being allowed to vote."<ref>{{cite news|last=Roff|first=Peter|url=https://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/peter-roff/2011/06/10/poll-democrats-and-republicans-support-a-voter-id-check-law |title=Poll: Democrats and Republicans Support a Voter ID-Check Law|work=U.S. News & World Report|date=10 June 2011|access-date=16 May 2012}}</ref> A 2012 [[Fox News]] poll produced similar results, revealing that 87% of [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]], 74% of [[Independent voter|independent]] voters, and 52% of [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrats]] supported new voter ID laws.<ref>{{cite news|last=Blanton|first=Dana|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fox-news-poll-most-think-voter-id-laws-are-necessary/ |title=Fox News Poll: Most think voter ID laws are necessary|publisher=Fox News|date=18 April 2012|access-date=16 May 2012}}</ref> A 2021 [[Pew Research]] poll showed that 93% of Republicans and 61% of Democrats{{efn|Figures include Independents who reported leaning towards either party.}} favor requirements that voters show government-issued photo ID to vote.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/04/22/republicans-and-democrats-move-further-apart-in-views-of-voting-access/ |title=Republicans and Democrats Move Further Apart in Views of Voting Access|publisher=Pew Research Center|date=22 April 2021}}</ref>
{{notelist}}
== See also == * [[Voter invitation card]] * [[Voter registration]] * [[Biometric voter registration]] {{clear}}
==References== {{Reflist|2}}
{{Voter identification laws}}
[[Category:Electoral fraud]] [[Category:Election law]] [[Category:Electoral restrictions]] [[Category:Voting|ID laws]] [[Category:Voter registration]] [[Category:Personal identification]]