California Midterm Elections 2026: Who all are required to show ID at the polling place to cast a ballot on the election day? Here’s what the rule says

The day for US midterm elections is here. Voters across multiple states will be casting their ballots on Tuesday. Millions across the country have already voted before the election day.

In California, polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday (November 3, 2026). This is also the last day to vote in-person or return a ballot.

According to news agency AP, as of Monday, the day before the General Election, there were more than 57 million ballots already cast in 47 states and D.C. This was over 10 million more than the elections in 2022, which saw a vote of less than 44.5 million cast in 49 states and D.C.

US Midterm Polls: What are ID rules in California

Mostly voters who are going to cast ballots on the general election day are not required to show idenbtification (ID) at the polling place.

Who all are required to show ID?

ID is required for all those citizens who are voting for the first time in a federal election, have registered by mail or online, and also all those who did not provide your CA ID or SSN when registering.


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What Forms of ID Are Acceptable (if required)?

In all those cases where ID is required, the voter can show their photo or non-photo ID, including:

California Driver's License or State ID card.

• U.S. Passport
• Student or Military ID
• Utility Bill
• Bank Statement
• Paycheck or Government Check
• Official mail from a government agency (e.g., sample ballot booklet).

It is pertinent to note that all workers at the polling place may only request ID if the voter list clearly indicates it's required. This includes a first-time voter who registered by mail without an ID.