{"id":351456,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:43","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/voting\/how-u-s-elections-work\/what-information-is-public-from-your-voting-record.html"},"modified":"2026-09-18T13:18:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T18:18:06","slug":"what-information-is-public-from-your-voting-record","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/how-u-s-elections-work\/what-information-is-public-from-your-voting-record.html","title":{"rendered":"What Information From Your Voting Record Is Public?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Information From Your Voting Record Is Public?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Sarah Williams, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\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

Your voting record<\/span> is public information<\/span> in most states, including your name, address, party affiliation<\/span>, and voting history<\/span>. However, your actual ballot choices\u2014who or what you voted for on Election Day<\/span>\u2014always remain confidential. Understanding what information is public and who can access it helps you protect your privacy while exercising your right to vote.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

State law controls how much voter information is accessible and to whom. The Secretary of State in your state generally controls voter registration lists and determines what information is confidential, who can request voter data, and restrictions on how voter registration information may be used. For example,<\/span> law enforcement<\/span><\/a> may access voting records when investigating potential election crimes and breaches of sensitive voter data.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Your Voting Record: What’s Collected vs. What’s Public<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many voters believe that because their ballot is secret, all information about their voting is private. <\/span>That is not the case.<\/b> States collect extensive information when you register to vote, but not all of it becomes public record.<\/span><\/p>\n

What’s always private:<\/span><\/p>\n