Some US states allow voter registration on Election Day or during early voting: How to check your options

Missed your voter registration deadline? You may still have a chance to vote in November. Some US states let eligible residents register during early voting or on Election Day, giving people another option if they have not signed up in advance. However, the rules depend on where you live.

An October 19 update from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) found that 24 states and Washington, D.C., offer same-day or Election Day voter registration. Not all of them follow the same rules and the option isn't available in every state.

The November 3 general election is approaching, so checking your state's requirements might help you find out whether you can still register.

Which States Let You Register and Vote on Same Day

As per the NCSL, 17 states and Washington, D.C., allow eligible voters to register during early voting and on Election Day. Four states offer registration on Election Day only, while three allow it only during early voting.

Alaska and Rhode Island have separate, limited provisions for people registering to vote for president and vice president. These are not included in the 24-state count.

Knowing the difference between early voting and Election Day is important. North Carolina, for example, allows eligible residents to register and vote during early voting, but not on Election Day.

How to Find Out If You Can Still Register

US Election Assistance Commission (EAC) offers a state by state directory that links to official election offices and voter information.

You have to visit the EAC's Register and Vote in Your State page and select your state. Then from there, you can find information about registration deadlines. So check your registration status and review the requirements for voting.

State and local election offices can confirm whether same day registration is available, where you need to go and which rules apply to you.

What Should You Bring to Register

Some states requires proof of residency or identification for same day registration. But the documents accepted vary by state, so, it is better to check the requirements before leaving home.

A utility bill/ another document showing your current address could be accepted in some places. But the same documents may not work everywhere.

Also check whether you can register at your regular polling place or need to visit a designated location.

As Election Day is after a few days, so voters who have not registered still have time to check their options. A quick visit to their state's official election website can clarify whether registration is available and what they need to do next.