Voter identification (ID) laws generally require a person to provide some form of official, government-issued identification to register to vote, receive an absentee ballot, or vote in a state or federal election. For example, the Help America Vote Act of 2002 is a federal law that requires voter ID for all new voters in federal elections who registered by mail and did not provide a driver’s license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number that matched government records. See 52 U.S.C. §20901.

Most states have some form of voter ID requirement, but these laws vary from state to state. Some states request or require voters to show an identification document that has a photo on it, such as a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, military ID, tribal ID, and many other forms of ID. Other states accept non-photo identification such as a bank statement with name and address or other document that does not necessarily have a photo. Voter ID laws are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In Connecticut, voters are required to present identification at the polls, but the state's laws are considered to be on the less restrictive side compared to other states. Acceptable forms of ID include a social security card, any pre-printed form of identification that shows the voter's name and address, name and signature, or name and photograph. If a voter is unable to present ID, they can sign a sworn statement called an 'Affidavit of Identity' at the polling place to confirm their identity. This allows them to cast a regular ballot. For first-time voters who registered by mail and did not provide an ID number that matched government records, they must present a current and valid photo ID or a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows their name and address. These requirements align with the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002. Connecticut's approach ensures that while voter identification is required, the options for proving identity are varied and accessible, aiming to balance election security with voting accessibility.