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Here's what you need to bring with you to vote - and whether your state requires photo ID

Rebecca Harrington   

Here's what you need to bring with you to vote - and whether your state requires photo ID
Politics2 min read

north carolina voter id law

Reuters/Chris Keane

An election worker checks a voter's drivers license as North Carolina's controversial "Voter ID" law goes into effect for the state's presidential primary election at a polling place in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. on March 15, 2016.

A number of Republican-controlled states have passed voter ID laws in the last several years, requiring voters to provide identification to prove who they are when they cast their ballot.

Proponents of the laws insist they aim to prevent voter fraud, although research has concluded it is incredibly rare. But critics argue the laws disenfranchise low-income and minority voters who may have trouble getting ID.

This Election Day, 32 states will have ID laws in effect, and seven require strict photo IDs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Politics aside, if you are voting in one of those states on Tuesday, November 8, you'll need identification.

To look up requirements specific to you, select your state from the drop-down menu on Rock the Vote's website under "What do I bring?" It'll tell you if you need ID, and if so, what kind.

If you have any more questions about what kind of ID you may need or how you can get one, give the hotline from VoteRiders, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping eligible citizens vote, a call at 1-844-338-8743.

Many states prohibit taking pictures inside the polling place, especially of your ballot, (it can even be a felony offense). CNN made a handy guide where you can check if your state has a law against "ballot selfies."

If you want to use your phone as a resource to remember who you want to vote for, it's probably best to ask an election official before taking it out. Many states have rules against any phone use, too. You might want to write down your choices beforehand just to be safe.

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