Voting for the Presidential Election

Voting in the United States is one of the most important ways Americans can participate in our democracy.

BE SURE YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE. Voting without permission or falsely claiming U.S. citizenship is a federal crime that could lead to:

• fines

• jail time

• deportation

• loss of immigration benefits

  
  

Even if mistakenly registered, you cannot legally vote unless eligible.

Requirements to Vote

• Be a U.S. Citizen through:

  • Birth in the United States

  • Birth overseas to a U.S. citizen parent

  • Naturalization

• Meet your state's residency requirements

• Be at least 18 years old by election day

  • Some states allow registration before 18 (if you'll be 18 on election day)

  • https://vote.gov/guide-to-voting/preparing-age-18-and-under

• Register by your state’s deadline

  • https://www.usa.gov/election-office

Some States Have Rules That Limit Who Can Vote Based On:

• Felony convictions

• Mental incapacity

Ways to Vote

• Vote in person at your designated:

  • Polling place on Election Day

  • Early polling place

• Request a mail-in/absentee ballot if available and vote by mail

  • https://www.usa.gov/absentee-voting 

• Request a provisional ballot as needed

  • https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/provisional-ballots

Donating or Volunteering for a Political Campaign

• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, including those abroad, can donate to and volunteer for federal political campaigns.

• Foreign nationals, including DACA, TPS, and visa holders, cannot donate but may volunteer (unpaid) as long as they don’t hold decision-making roles.

• For more details:

  • U.S. citizens: FEC Info

  • Foreign nationals: FEC update