Why Voting Rights Matter
Voting is one of the most fundamental rights of U.S. citizenship. The right to vote has been expanded and protected through multiple constitutional amendments and federal laws over the past two centuries.
Who Can Vote in Federal Elections?
To vote in U.S. federal elections, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Meet your state’s residency requirements
- Be 18 years old by Election Day
- Be registered to vote (in most states)
- Not be currently serving a felony sentence (rules vary by state)
- A valid driver’s license or state ID number
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security number
- Your current address
- Primary elections: Held to determine party nominees for general elections
- General elections: Held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years
- Special elections: Held to fill vacant seats between regular elections
- Local elections: Held for city, county, and school board positions
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Passport
- Military ID
- Utility bill or bank statement showing your address (in states without photo ID requirements)
- Will be away from home on Election Day
- Have a disability or illness
- Are 65 or older (in some states)
- Simply prefer to vote by mail (in states with no-excuse absentee voting)
- Ask for a provisional ballot — you have the right to one if your eligibility is questioned
- Contact your state’s election office
- Call the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683)
- Contact the U.S. Department of Justice Voting Section: 1-800-253-3931
- Voting Rights Act of 1965: Prohibits discriminatory voting practices
- National Voter Registration Act (NVRA): Requires states to offer voter registration at motor vehicle agencies
- Help America Vote Act (HAVA): Sets minimum standards for elections
- Americans with Disabilities Act: Requires accessible polling places
- vote.gov: Official federal voting information
- USA.gov/voting: Comprehensive voting resources
- League of Women Voters: lwv.org
How to Register to Vote
Online Registration
Most states offer online voter registration at vote.gov. You’ll need:
In-Person Registration
Visit your local election office, DMV, public library, or certain government agencies.
By Mail
Download a National Voter Registration Form at vote.gov and mail it to your local election office.
Registration deadlines vary by state — many require registration 15-30 days before an election. Some states offer same-day registration.
Types of Elections
What to Bring on Election Day
ID requirements vary by state. Common accepted forms include:
Check your state’s specific requirements at vote.gov.
Voting Methods
In-Person Voting
Vote at your assigned polling place on Election Day. Polls are typically open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Early Voting
Many states offer early in-person voting in the days or weeks before Election Day.
Absentee/Mail-In Voting
Request an absentee ballot if you:
Protecting Your Voting Rights
If you experience problems voting: