Pivotal states where election laws have changed since 2020

When voters cast their ballots in the presidential election this fall, those in several key states to decide the presidency will likely notice changes to election procedures compared to the 2020 election.

With control of the House, Senate , and White House up for grabs on Nov. 5, the direction of the country will be decided by the voters, especially in several key states where voting laws have changed, as highlighted by a new report from the left-leaning Brennan Center for Justice. Here is a look at some of the changes to election laws in five key states.

In the Grand Canyon State, where Republicans lost the presidential and Senate contests, there were several changes to election law after 2020.

One of the major election laws added was an attempt to expand the citizenship requirement to vote to apply to federal races, something being contested in courts.

Other changes made since the last presidential election include removing the two-year waiting period for felons with multiple convictions to apply to get their right to vote restored, expanding some early voting hours, and making registering to vote easier for those applying for a fishing or gaming license, among others.

In the Tar Heel State, the state legislature changed several election laws in 2023.

One of the main provisions included changing the deadline for the receipt of mail-in ballots to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, from the previous three days after Election Day.

Another provision that will be in effect is a photo ID requirement for all voters to cast a ballot in the election in the state.

Michigan has changed several election procedures since the hotly contested 2020 election.

Changes to election law in the Great Lakes State include allowing registration for mail ballots online, the creation of a permanent mail voting list, increasing voting drop boxes, and extending deadlines for overseas voters.

Other modifications made to Michigan election law include expanding the types of valid voter ID, creating a nine-day early voting period, and requiring voters to sign an affidavit or provide photo identification when voting or applying for an absentee ballot.

The Peach State had some of the most publicized changes to election law following the 2020 election with Senate Bill 202. The law prevents advocates from giving food, drink, and gifts to voters in line, requires showing state-issued ID when applying for absentee ballots, and outlines procedures for early and mail-in voting.

Other changes include state employees' paid time off for voting to include early voting along with regular day-of voting.

In the Silver State, lawmakers passed several laws that have changed the way people may cast their ballots.

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The changes to election law include making universal mail voting that was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic permanent and expanding access to voting on Native American reservations.

Nevada, along with Michigan and Arizona, will have key Senate races, while those states, alongside Georgia and North Carolina, will be pivotal in the presidential election.