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 and not others. When do felons restore their voting rights in your state? 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 there are certain jurisdictions that allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. Can noncitizens vote? >

If you are experiencing homelessness, you are still eligible to vote. However, there are certain steps you must take to make sure your voting rights are protected. Learn more in this article on the homeless vote. >

If you have a mental disability and understand what it means to vote, you have voting rights. As this article explains, 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 are interested in participating in primaries and want to learn more. Voting in primaries >

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

This article explains how U.S. citizens who are in other countries on Election Day can vote with an absentee ballot. Voting while abroad >

Many college students wonder if they can vote while they are away from home. The answer is yes, and this article explains the process for protecting your voting rights. Voting while in college >

All states have procedures in place for early voting, absentee voting, and/or mail-in voting for people who cannot 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? >

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 a process called 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 is different when it comes to the ID required to register and vote. 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 of the unique questions college students face when trying to vote. Learn answers in this article about voting in college. >

Learn how a disability diagnosis affects the way you vote, and how states differ in accommodations. Voting with a disability >

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 it is legal to offer rides to the polls, including the legality of carpooling to the polls. Can I drive people to the polls? >

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. Blanks on a voting ballot >

Can I cast a provisional ballot? It depends. Provisional ballot laws vary from state to state. This article gives an in-depth explanation on what provisional ballots are, when they might be used, and how they work. Provisional ballots >

A protest vote is a way where citizens use their vote to show their discontent. This article explains what a protest vote is and how it is done. What's a protest vote? >

If you can vote, but you choose not to, you are abstaining from voting. Learn more on what abstention from voting is and how it works. Can I abstain from voting? >

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 >