Native Vote & Organization Resources

To support the organizations that make our Democracy is Indigenous work possible, the NUIFC will be creating personalized state-by-state guides on voting. Our orgs will also receive DII merchandise, resources, and artwork that they can incorporate into their own integrated voter engagement strategies.

Keep an eye on this space as we continue to grow our library of resources supporting urban Indian non-profits and their vital work helping their communities vote. 


NUIFC STATE DEADLINES & FAQS

Each state has its own primary election deadlines, ways to register, and ways to vote. To help each organization’s plans for the 2024 election, we have compiled a breakdown of these systems for the 17 states our cohort is working in. 

+ Alaska

Election Days:

  • Primary Election – July 30th
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Registration Deadline – July 17th
  • General Election Registration Deadline – October 9th

**Applications much be postmarked or received 30 days before election. *

Alaska provides residents online, mail-in, and in-person voter registration. Alaska residents need a current Alaska driver’s license or State ID to register, and they will be issued a voter registration card by mail afterwards.

**Voting Options: **

Alaska is a no excuse absentee voting state, meaning that anyone may request a ballot by mail, no reason is needed. You can apply for absentee ballots online through the Alaska.gov website, which also has information for mailing in your application. Early voting in Alaska begins 15 days prior to each election day.

+ Arizona

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – August 2nd
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Registration Deadline – July 5th
  • General Election Registration Deadline – October 11th

You may register to vote online if you have an Arizona Driver License and/or an Arizona non-operating I.D. card issued by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). You may also vote by mail by mailing in a form to your county recorder office or register in person at the county recorder office. **If you are voting in person you will need to confirm your identity with any of the following photo identification: **

  • Arizona driver’s license
  • Arizona state ID
  • Tribal ID
  • ID issued by United States federal, state, or local government

OR

**Two forms of identification without a photo: **

  • Utility bill
  • Recent bank or credit union statement
  • Arizona vehicle registration or insurance card
  • Tribal ID
  • Property tax statement
  • Recorder’s certificate
  • Voter registration card
  • United States federal, state, or local ID
  • Any item of mail labeled “official election material”

You must provide documentary proof of citizenship to complete your voter registration.

Voting Options:

Arizona is a no excuse absentee voting state, meaning that anyone may request a ballot by mail, no reason is needed. Anyone may vote using the early and in-person absentee voting options. You can sign up for the mail-in voting when you register to vote. Or if you’re already registered to vote, you can sign up online to get your ballot-by-mail and ensure you have a safe, secure, and reliable option for voting in this year’s elections. The deadline for request is July 22nd (Primary) and October 28th (general)

+ Colorado

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – June 8th
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Registration Deadline (online) – June 1st
  • General Election Registration Deadline (online) – November 8th

If you miss the above deadlines, you may register in-person at a voter service and polling center in your county through Election Day.

Colorado residents can register online or use a printable voter registration form through the Secretary of State’s website, so long as they have a Colorado driver's license or state issued ID card from the Colorado Department of Revenue. You can also register to vote in-person at a physical office such as a polling center, DMV office, and any federal, state, or local government or any nongovernment office that chooses to provide voter registration service or applications.

Voting Options:

All registered voters will be mailed a ballot no later than 18 days before Election Day, so no extra steps are needed to participate in vote by mail if you’ve been registered to vote before that time. You must request a mail ballot by the 8th day before an election to receive your ballot in the mail.

+ Illinois

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – June 28th
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Registration Deadline – June 12th
  • General Election Registration Deadline – October 23rd

Illinois offers online registration up until 16 days prior to an election, which are the dates listed above. To register online, an applicant must provide: (1) the full Illinois driver’s license or State identification card number; (2) the last 4 digits of your social security number; and (3) the date the Illinois driver’s license or State identification card was issued.

**You may also register to vote in-person, with two forms of identification with at least one showing your current residence address. **

Voting Options:

  • Any registered Illinois voter may apply for an absentee ballot and vote by mail. You will need to print out the specific form for your Illinois County at www.elections.il.gov/ElectionOperations/VotingByMailAgreement.aspx
  • For the primaries, you may request a vote by mail option on March 30th and all requests mailed in must be returned by June 23rd by mail.
  • For the general, you may request a vote by mail option on August 10th and all requests mailed in must be returned by November 3rd by mail.

+ Indiana

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – May 3rd
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Registration Deadline – April 4th
  • General Election Registration Deadline – October 11th

The above days are when you are no longer able to register to vote online or in-person.

Eligible Indian residents will need an Indiana driver’s license or Indiana state-issued identification card to register to vote online.

Voting Options:

Any registered voter can fill out an absentee ballot in person, but you’ll need to have an approved reason to vote absentee by mail, such as a disability, observance of a religious holiday or a work obligation. All voters aged 65 and older can vote absentee-by-mail.

+ Michigan

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – August 2nd
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Registration Deadline – July 18th
  • General Election Registration Deadline – October 24th

The deadlines above are for all options, such as online, other than in-person with the local elections clerk. In-person registration will be an option up until the election.

To register, Michigan residents will need to show proof of where they live. Documents must have your name and current address. Digital copies of any document will work. Acceptable documents include Michigan Driver License/State ID, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government document.

Voting Options:

All registered voters are eligible to vote by mail by requesting an absent voter ballot with an online application at Michigan.gov/Vote or apply to your local clerk. Requests to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 p.m. of July 29th (primary) or November 4th (general). You must be a registered voter to receive an absent voter ballot, but you can register and apply for an absent voter ballot at the same time. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you must also be on the return envelope.

+ Minnesota

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – August 9th
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Online Registration Deadline – July 19th
  • General Election Online Registration Deadline – October 18th

**In-person registration is allowed up until election day. ** To register in Minnesota, you will need your Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota identification card number, or the last four numbers of your Social Security number to register online.

Voting Options:

To vote by mail, you can apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to you and no excuse is required. The state is currently working on creating a online application portal but you can fill out a form for vote by mail now at www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-by-mail/.

+ Missouri

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – August 2nd
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Registration Deadline – July 6th
  • General Election Registration Deadline – October 12th

**Election day registration is not allowed. **

Missouri offers online voter registration, but Missouri requires that you use a tablet, mobile device, or other touchscreen device to register online to vote. This is because you will be required to provide a signature during the process.

Acceptable forms of identification are driver’s license, passport, military ID, identification from a university, college, or technical school, utility bills or bank statements with your name and address, and government check or other document with your name and address.

Voting Options:

Missouri does allow absentee voting, but a reason must be provided, and it has to be a ‘legitimate’ reason. Some of the options include absence on election day from the jurisdiction, confinement/incapacity due to illness, religious belief, employment as an election authority. **Voters can request absentee ballots from their local election authority in person, by mail, by fax or by e-mail. Early voting is not an option. **

+ Nevada

Election Days:

  • Primary Election – June 14th
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Online Registration Deadline – June 9th
  • General Election Online Registration Deadline – October 11th

**To register online a DMV issued Driver's License or ID is required. ** Nevada permits you to register to vote on Election Day. Nevada voters can register to vote or update existing voter registration information in person at the polling place either during early voting or on Election Day. Same-Day-Registrants are required to present a Nevada Driver's License to register.

Voting Options:

All registered voters in Nevada will receive a ballot by mail. You can request to opt-out by visiting https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/elections/voters/mail-ballot-voting.

If you are a first-time voter, you may be required to present I.D. for voting if: (a) The data you provided on your voter registration application did not match the data on file at the Department of Motor Vehicles or Social Security Administration, as applicable; and (b) You did not respond to the letter that was sent to you notifying you of the discrepancy. Your county clerk will notify you if you are required to provide a copy of your identification with your mail ballot.

+ New Mexico

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – June 7th
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Online Registration Deadline – May 10th
  • General Election Online Registration Deadline – October 11th

In-person voter registration is allowed at your County Clerk’s office until June 4th for the primary and November 5th for the general. These can be submitted by hand or mail provided the date and/or postmark is before the deadline.

If you have a current or expired New Mexico state I.D. or driver’s license, you can register or update your registration online with the state’s Online Voter Registration System. You do not need a New Mexico MVD issued I.D. or driver’s license to vote. MVD issued forms of identification are only required for online registration and online absentee ballot requests.

A physical form of identification is only required for first-time New Mexico voters who registered by mail and did not include identification with their voter registration application form.

Voting Options:

New Mexico voters can request to vote by mail by filling out an application and returning to your County Clerk. Applications can be obtained online, by contacting your country clerk office, and by downloading an absentee ballot application and mailing it or hand delivering it your Country Clerk office.

+ North Carolina

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – May 17th
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Registration Deadline – April 22nd
  • General Election Registration Deadline – October 14th

You can register to vote in-person at a local DMV office and online using the voter registration applications online. Registered voters across the state can vote in the primary. However, voters affiliated with any political party will be given a ballot of candidates for their party. Unaffiliated voters can choose the ballot of candidates for any party: Democratic, Libertarian, or Republican.

When registering, you must provide your birth date and your NC driver’s license (or DMV non-operator’s ID card) number, if you have one. If not, provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have an SSN or NC license, you will need to present another form of identification, either when you mail in the form or when you first vote. These can include a utility bill, a bank statement, a paycheck or pay stub, or other official documents from a local, state, or federal government agency.

Voting Options:

Any North Carolina registered voter may request, receive, and vote a mail-in absentee ballot. No special circumstance or reason is needed. Registered voters in North Carolina must request an absentee ballot with an official N.C. Absentee Ballot Request Form at the N.C. Absentee Ballot Portal.

+ North Dakota

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – June 14th
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • North Dakota does not have a voter registration deadline.

**Absentee and mail balloting begins May 5th for the primary and September 29th absentee and mail balloting begins for the general election. **

You will need to show a form of ID to vote. Acceptable forms of identification are driver’s license, non-driver’s ID card, tribal government issued ID card, long-term care ID certificate, and an attester (only for voters unable to get an ID due to disability).

If you do not have an acceptable form of ID, you may still cast your ballot by signing a declaration or affidavit at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification must include, name, date of birth and your street address. P.O. Boxes do not establish residency and CANNOT be accepted.

Voting Options:

Absentee voting is available, and no excuse is required. The last day to request an absentee ballot is 1 day before the election. Voted ballots must be postmarked the day before the Election Day to be counted. Applications for absentee ballots may be delivered to the appropriate county auditor or election official by mail, in person, or by fax.

+ Oklahoma

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – June 28th
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Registration Deadline – June 3rd
  • General Election Registration Deadline – October 14th

Oklahoma does NOT allow online voter registration but there is an online portal that will generate a completed form that you can print, sign, and return.

To register, you will need to provide your Oklahoma Driver License number or the last four numbers of your social security number (if no driver’s license). You must register to vote at your address of residence and a rural route or post office box is NOT an address of residence.

Voting Options:

Any registered voter in Oklahoma may vote by absentee ballot. Request much be made by June 13th for the primary and October 24th for the general. It is not necessary to give a reason, although some voters may qualify for special conditions. The easiest way is to apply is online through the Oklahoma Voter Portal.

+ Oregon

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – June 7th
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Registration Deadline – May 23rd
  • General Election Registration Deadline – October 24th

A new registrant must submit their online registration by 11:59:59 p.m. Pacific Time. To register to vote online you will need an Oregon driver's license, permit, or ID card number issued by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV).

If you do not have one of these, you can still use the online voter registration application. The information you enter will display on a voter registration card (PDF document) that you will need to print, sign, and deliver to your county elections office to complete your registration.

Voting Options:

Oregon is complete vote by mail state, which means that every active registered voter will receive an official ballot to complete and return. These ballots have pre-paid postage and can be mailed or dropped off at any official drop box across the state.

Ballots must be received or mailed with a valid post mark by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

+ South Dakota

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – May 17th
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Primary Election Registration Deadline – April 26th
  • General Election Registration Deadline – October 18th

South Dakota does not allow for online voter registration. To register, South Dakota residents need to print the Voter Registration Form, fill-out the form, sign it and then submit it to your county auditor. Your Voter Registration form with an original signature must be received by the auditor 15 days before any election if you wish to vote in that election. You may also register in-person at a driver’s license station, city finance office, public assistance agencies, Department of Human Services offices, and military recruitment offices.

Voting Options:

Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot and no reason is needed to do so. The application or request shall be made in writing and be signed by the applicant and state the applicant's voter registration address. The application or request shall contain an oath verifying the validity of the information contained in the application or request. The oath shall be administered by a notary public or other officer authorized by statute to administer an oath. Absentee ballot voting beings on April 22nd for the primary and September 23rd for the general.

+ Texas

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – March 1st
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • General Election Registration Deadline – October 11th

To register, you must provide your Texas driver's license number. If you do not have a driver's license, then you will have to provide at least the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have neither, please write "NONE" on the form. A unique identifying number will instead be assigned to you by your State.

Texas does not allow online voter registration. They do have an online portal which you can complete and easily print, sign, and mail to your county’s voter registrar office. You can also pick up an application form from your voter registrar’s office or from public libraries, government offices or high schools and mail it to your voter registrar once complete. If you want to register in person, visit the voter register in your county.

Voting Options:

Mail-in ballots are available only to registered voters who are 65 or older, are sick or have a disability, are incarcerated but otherwise eligible, or will be out of their home county on Election Day and during the early voting period.

**Early voting is allowed and does not require any special qualifications to vote early in person – if you are registered and qualified to vote on Election Day. Generally, early voting in person begins the 17th day before Election Day (if that’s a weekend, early voting starts on Monday) and ends the 4th day before Election Day. For the general this would mean early voting begins Monday, October 24th and end Friday, November 4th. **

+ Washington

**Election Days: **

  • Primary Election – August 2nd
  • General Election – November 8th

Registration Deadlines & Options & Requirements:

  • Washington provides same day registration, meaning you can register to vote at any day before any election.

You can register online in Washington state, you will need a residential address in Washington State and a Washington identification number (driver’s license, permit, or ID) or the last four digits of your social security number.

Voting Options:

Washington is complete vote by mail state, which means that every active registered voter will receive an official ballot to complete and return. These ballots have pre-paid postage and can be mailed or dropped off at any official drop box across the state.

Ballots must be received or mailed with a valid post mark by 8 p.m. on Election Day.