Published by Mei in Resources | Updated 2024
Are you a Citizen, then YES!
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Are you a Citizen?
You can vote in U.S. federal, state, and local elections if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen (some areas allow non-citizens to vote in local elections only)
- Meet your state’s residency requirements. If you are currnely unhoused you still meet the requirements.
- Are 18 years old on or before Election Day. Almost every state, allows you to register to vote before you turn 18 if you will be 18 by Election Day.
- Are registered to vote by your state’s voter registration deadline. North Dakota does not require voter registration.
Non-Citizen, then NO!
- Non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal, state, and most local elections.
- If you are a citizen but a convicted of a felony or if currently serving time for certain crimes you might not be allowed vote. Rules are different in each state. Check this guide from the Department of Justice to understand the laws in your state.
- If you are a citizen but suffer a certain level of mental disability you may not be able to vote. Voting rights vary by state.
- If you are a citizen residing in the U.S. territories you cannot vote for president in the general election.
Non-citizens may be permitted to vote in some local elections. Check with your state or local election office for clarification on your situation.
If I am a Non-Citizen and Vote, What Happens?
You may receive a fine, imprisonment or both. Non-citizens who cast a ballot and get caught may also face deportation. This is a serious offense. When you register you declare, under penalty of perjury, that they meet all voter eligibility requirements, including citizenship unless you can prove that you unknowingly or un-willfully registered to vote.
Be Careful at the DMV
The National Voter Registration Act (Motor Voter) requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to offer their customers the opportunity to register to vote. Don’t worry it should be highlighted that is is only permitted if you are a citizen.
Can registering damage my chance at Citizenship
Registering and voting in error can be seen to affect your good moral character (GMC) and could also be seen to make false claims to U.S. citizenship. USCIS recently acknowledged that people sometimes accidentally or inadvertently registered to vote when renewing their driver’s license or ID at the state DMV.
Can a non-citizen vote in the US elections?
No. Non-citizens including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal, state, and most local elections. Non-citizens may be permitted to vote in some local elections. Check with your state or local election office for clarification on your situation.
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All articles are written from our experiences and the experiences of our colleagues. These are fantastic visas and we wish to empower others in applying. This information is for general guidance only and shouldn’t be considered legal advice.
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