Guide to Voting in Federal Elections

Learn the history of voting and how voting laws define who can vote in the U.S.

People with felony convictions can vote in some states but not others. Felon voting laws by state
State articles: California, Florida, New York, Texas

This article explains that noncitizens are not eligible to vote in federal elections, but certain jurisdictions allow them to vote in local elections. Can Noncitizens Vote in the United States?

If you are experiencing homelessness, you are still eligible to vote. But, there are certain steps you must take to protect your voting rights. Learn more in this article on voting for the unhoused.

If you have a mental disability and understand what it means to vote, you have voting rights. You can bring or ask for help when voting if you need it. Can people with mental disabilities vote?

Every state has its own rules and procedures for primary elections. This is the place to start if you want to vote in primaries and want to learn more about eligibility. Voting in primaries.

If you are in the military and will be away from home during the election, there are special procedures to protect your right to vote. Learn more in this article on military voting laws.

This article explains how U.S. citizens in other countries on Election Day can vote with an absentee ballot. Voting Abroad as a U.S. Citizen.

Many college students wonder if they can vote while away from home. The answer is yes, and this article explains how to protect your voting rights. Voting in College.

All states have procedures for early voting, absentee voting, or mail-in voting for people who can’t be at the polls on Election Day. Learn about what to do if you are unavailable to vote.

Why does the U.S. allow absentee voting? When did it start? Who is eligible? What are my state’s absentee voting laws? How do I register? Get answers about absentee voting.

Find out whether you are registered to vote and get answers to other questions about voter registration. Am I Registered To Vote? How To Find Out.

Learn what states offer same-day voter registration, the requirements for registering on Election Day, and more in our article on same-day voter registration.

Opt-in to vote at your Department of Motor Vehicles through automatic voter registration. What Is Automatic Voter Registration?

Learn whether you need to register again, what to do if you are voting from college, and more in this article on voting after an address change.

Every state has its own identification card requirements. A standard driver’s license is generally an acceptable ID card. Learn whether you need a REAL ID to vote in your state.

Polling places are often confusing. This article helps you understand what you can and can’t do at polling stations.

I moved for college. Where should I vote? Do the voter laws in my home state or my college state apply to me? These are some unique questions college students face when trying to vote. Get answers in this article about voting in college.

Learn how a disability diagnosis affects how you vote and how states differ in accommodations. Voting Accommodations for Those With Disabilities.

It is possible to help another vote — or to get help at the polls. Read this article to find out more about getting help voting.

"I want to offer rides to people to get to the polls. Can I do that?" This article explains whether offering rides to the polls is legal, including the legality of carpooling. Can I Drive People to the Polls or Carpool?

Learn whether you can cast a ballot without responding to certain topics by leaving some spaces blank. Although not recommended, leaving blanks on a ballot is legal. Can I Leave Blanks on a Voting Ballot?

Can I cast a provisional ballot? It depends. Provisional ballot laws vary from state to state. This article explains what provisional ballots are when they might be used, and how they work. Provisional Ballot: How To Make Your Vote Count on Election Day.

A protest vote is when people use their vote to show their discontent. This article explains what a protest vote is and how it happens. What Is a Protest Vote?

If you can vote but choose not to, you abstain from voting. Learn more about what is abstention from voting and how it works. What Does Abstention from Voting Mean?

The Help America Vote Act imposes voter identification requirements. Learn who the HAVA protects, what IDs are acceptable, and more in our article about The Help America Vote Act of 2002.