{"id":351437,"date":"2020-03-18T15:24:27","date_gmt":"2020-03-18T20:24:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/how-do-i-protect-my-right-to-vote\/what-are-voter-rights.html"},"modified":"2026-04-13T09:16:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:16:23","slug":"what-are-voter-rights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/how-do-i-protect-my-right-to-vote\/what-are-voter-rights.html","title":{"rendered":"Your Voting Rights: What They Are and How To Protect Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Your Voting Rights: What They Are and How To Protect Them<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Voting protections under federal and state law ensure eligible citizens can register and vote without discrimination or unlawful barriers. These protections include accessible polling places<\/span>, language assistance, provisional ballots, and freedom from discrimination based on race, language, or disability. If your rights are violated, contact your election office, the Department of Justice<\/span> (DOJ), or a civil rights<\/span> attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Federal and state election laws<\/span> protect your right to vote from registration through Election Day<\/span>. Understanding these protections enables you to respond promptly if issues arise before or during voting.<\/p>\n

Federal protections cover how states handle voter registration<\/span>. It also covers what accommodations polling places<\/span> must provide. State laws add another layer. Those rules vary depending on where you live.<\/p>\n

If you believe your voting rights have been violated, consult a local\u00a0civil rights<\/span> attorney<\/a>. They can explain which laws apply and advise you on the next steps.<\/p>\n

Key Voting Rights<\/h2>\n

Federal law<\/span> provides core protections for every eligible voter, regardless of race, language, disability status, or political affiliation. These laws protect electors<\/span> at every stage of the process. The sections below outline what you can expect and what you are entitled to throughout the voting process.<\/p>\n

Right To Register To Vote<\/h3>\n

The\u00a0National <\/span>Voter Registration<\/span> Act<\/span> (NVRA)<\/a>\u00a0of 1993, also known as the “Motor Voter Act,” established important protections for voter registration<\/span>. Under the NVRA, states must allow voter registration<\/span> at motor vehicle agencies during driver’s license applications, renewals, or address changes. States must also offer registration opportunities through mail-in applications and at state and local offices, including those that provide services to people with disabilities<\/span> and public assistance.<\/p>\n

The NVRA protects against improper voter purges by requiring states to maintain accurate, up-to-date voter lists. States must follow proper procedures for removing voters from registration rolls.<\/p>\n

Right To Vote Free From Discrimination<\/h3>\n

Federal law<\/span> prohibits discrimination in voting based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (if you’re 18 or older), or disability.\u00a0Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act<\/span><\/a>\u00a0applies nationwide. The act bans discriminatory practices that were used to prevent language minorities<\/span> from voting, including literacy tests<\/span> and poll taxes<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The Voting Rights Act<\/span> also protects voters from intimidation and harassment at polling places<\/span>. No one can threaten, coerce, or intimidate you to prevent you from voting or to influence how you vote.<\/p>\n

Right to Accessible Voting for People With Disabilities<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you have a disability, federal law<\/span> guarantees you have equal access to voting. The\u00a0Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)<\/a>\u00a0requires effective communication with voters with disabilities and mandates that polling places<\/span> meet accessibility standards. This means polling places<\/span> should have:<\/p>\n