The Most Difficult States to Vote (And the Easiest)

Voting experiences in America vary significantly based on state laws and regulations. These differences have become more pronounced as efforts to enhance or restrict voting rights have intensified in recent years.

In our analysis, we examined factors such as early voting options, voter registration processes, ID requirements, and regulations surrounding felon voting rights to identify states where exercising the right to vote is particularly challenging.

The findings reveal a stark contrast: while some states maintain straightforward voting procedures, others impose numerous restrictions, creating a daunting experience for voters.

The 10 Most Challenging States for Voters

1. Mississippi
2. Alabama
3. Virginia
4. Missouri
5. Kentucky
6. South Carolina
7. Georgia
8. Kansas
9. Iowa
10. Tennessee

The southern U.S. is particularly challenging for voters, with these states presenting the most significant barriers. Continue reading to understand the complexities of voting in these ten states and our evaluation methodology.

Methodology

We assessed each state across four key criteria:

• Early voting opportunities

• Voter ID requirements

• Voter registration processes

• Felony voting rights

To measure the variances, we organized each criterion into categories that indicate whether restrictions simplify or complicate the voting process. The averages of these categories were then calculated and ranked equally.

This categorization methodology was inspired by the Guardian. The data was sourced from reputable organizations, including The Sentencing Project, National Conference of State Legislatures, ACLU, and the Brennan Center, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Note that this article may not reflect the most recent legislative changes.

For a detailed breakdown of the ten states with the most voting challenges, and to view a comprehensive table of each state’s voting laws and policies, including early voting and registration requirements, continue reading below.

Mississippi

Registration: In Mississippi, voter registration closes 30 days before election day.
Felon Voting: Individuals convicted of certain crimes permanently lose their right to vote, while others regain it upon completing parole and probation.
Early Voting: Mississippi allows absentee voting only for those with a valid excuse, such as disability, and does not offer early or no-excuse absentee voting.

Alabama

Registration: Voters in Alabama must register online or by mail before election day. The state employs the Crosscheck system, resulting in the removal of around 650,000 individuals from voter rolls.
Felon Voting: Felons convicted of crimes classified as “moral turpitude” lose their voting rights but may apply for restoration upon completing their sentence, including fines.
Early Voting: Alabama does not permit early voting.

Virginia

Registration: Voters can register online, by mail, or in-person. An acceptable photo ID is required.
Felon Voting: Voters must request restoration of their rights from the governor.
Early Voting: Voters must apply for an absentee ballot via mail or online.

Missouri

Registration: Missouri requires voters to register 27 days ahead of election day.
Felon Voting: Voting rights are restored after serving prison time, parole, and probation.
Early Voting: Missouri allows absentee voting only for those with an approved excuse, such as disability.

Kentucky

Registration: Kentucky requires registration by mail, online, or in person 28 days before the election.
Felon Voting: Convicted felons permanently lose their voting rights unless restored by the governor.
Early Voting: There is no option for no-excuse early voting in Kentucky.

South Carolina

Registration: South Carolina requires voters to present a photo ID to register and to vote. Voters without ID may sign an affidavit and cast a regular ballot. Registration must occur before election day.
Felon Voting: Voting rights are restored after completing the full sentence, including parole and probation.
Early Voting: Early voting is only available with a valid excuse.

Georgia

Registration: Georgia implements an “exact match” law, one of the strictest voter registration laws in the U.S.
Felon Voting: Individuals convicted of a felony lose their voting rights until completing their sentence, including probation and parole.
Early Voting: Georgia allows early voting, but it is noted for long lines, with reports of voters waiting hours to cast their ballots.

Kansas

Registration: Kansas allows voter registration 21 days prior to election day. The state uses the Crosscheck program, which may cause some voters to find themselves unregistered on election day.
Felon Voting: Voting rights can be regained after completing the sentence, including parole and probation.
Early Voting: Kansas does allow no-excuse early voting.

Iowa

Registration: Voters in Iowa must present strict identification (like a driver’s license or passport) to vote. However, same-day voter registration with a picture ID is available.
Felon Voting: In Iowa, felons do not regain their voting rights unless the governor intervenes.
Early Voting: Iowa allows no-excuse early voting.

Tennessee

Registration: Tennessee requires voter registration 30 days before election day. In-person voters must bring a valid photo ID; student IDs are not acceptable.
Felon Voting: Certain offenses, such as murder, result in permanent loss of voting rights for felons. Other eligible felons must apply for restoration.
Early Voting: Tennessee offers strong early voting rights, with no-excuse early voting starting 20 days before the election.

Voting Is More Challenging in These States

Despite some voters’ resilience against ID requirements and registration deadlines, access to voting remains unequal across the country, with discrepancies in resources, time, and money.

Currently, 37 states permit early voting without restrictions, while 13 states do not provide such options. Additionally, 12 states have automatic voter registration, and 9 allow same-day registration, whereas others require registration more than a month in advance.

Voting ID requirements and aggressive voter purge systems further complicate access to the polls. While some regions, such as the West Coast, have made strides in voting accessibility, southern states continue to face significant challenges in ensuring equitable voting access.

For a detailed breakdown of voting rights across states, see the table below:

Voting Rights By State

Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.