Before you vote – make sure you are eligible! If you vote in an election without permission or claim to be a U.S. citizen to vote, you’re breaking federal law and could face fines or jail time. It might also hurt your chances for certain immigration benefits and could lead to deportation. Even if you were mistakenly registered to vote, like when renewing your driver’s license, you can’t legally vote unless you meet the necessary requirements. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, it’s important to ask your immigration lawyer‼️
⠀
To Vote in U.S. Federal Elections, You Must:
⠀
• Be a U.S. citizen
⠀
• Through birth in the United States
⠀
• Through birth overseas to a U.S. citizen parent
⠀
• Through naturalization
⠀
• Meet your state’s residency requirements
⠀
• You must be at least 18 years old by election day.
⠀
• You may be able to register before the election if you will be 18 years old on election day; check your state’s requirements here:
https://www.usa.gov/voter-registration-agerequirements
⠀
• Register to vote by your state’s deadline
⠀Learn more at https://www.usa.gov/electionoffice
⠀
Some States Have Rules That Limit Who Can Vote Based On:
⠀
• Felony convictions
⠀
• Mental incapacity
⠀
If you have questions about whether you may vote in your state, contact the election officials in the jurisdiction (usually the county) where you wish to register and vote.
⠀
Ways to Vote:
⠀
• Vote in person at your designated polling place on Election Day
⠀
• Vote early in person at your designated early polling place
⠀
• Request a mail-in/absentee ballot if available and vote by mail
Learn more: https://www.usa.gov/absentee-voting
⠀
• As needed, request a provisional ballot
Learn more: https://www.ncsl.org/electionsand-campaigns/provisional-ballots
⠀
Donating or Volunteering for a Political Campaign:
⠀
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, including those living abroad, may contribute money to and volunteer with federal political campaigns.
For more information see: https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/foreign-nationals/
⠀
Foreign nationals, including DACA, TPS, and nonimmigrant visas holders cannot give money to political campaigns. They may, however, provide volunteer (unpaid) services to political campaigns, so long as they are not in a decision-making role.
⠀
For more information, see: https://www.fec.gov/updates/foreign-nationals/
⠀
If you have questions about your citizenship status, please contact your immigration lawyer before voting
