Voting rights by immigration status — what you can and cannot do
Voting eligibility by immigration status. ONLY US citizens can vote in federal/state elections. Voting as non-citizen is deportable. Home country voting from abroad options.
Voting rights by immigration status — what you can and cannot do
Voting in US federal and state elections is RESERVED FOR US CITIZENS ONLY. Non-citizens (LPR, DACA, undocumented, work visa) CANNOT vote. Some local elections are open to non-citizens in specific cities.
About this page: This is procedural information organized by immigration status. We list the path each status can take — you self-identify which applies. This is not personalized legal advice or eligibility determination.
Path 1: US Citizen — Federal + state + local
If you are USC by birth or naturalization
Register to vote via vote.gov. Vote in all elections: presidential, congressional, state, local. Voter ID requirements vary by state. Naturalized citizens MUST register after naturalization — not automatic.
Documents typically needed:
- Naturalization certificate, state ID, proof of residence
Cost: $0
Timeline: Register up to 30 days before election in most states
Path 2: LPR / Green Card — NOT eligible federal
If you are LPR (green card holder)
NOT eligible to vote in federal, state, or most local elections. VOTING ILLEGALLY = DEPORTATION RISK + felony. Some cities (San Francisco, NYC, Takoma Park MD) allow LPRs to vote in local/school elections only. Verify local law.
Documents typically needed:
- N/A — generally not eligible
Cost: $0
Timeline: After naturalization only
Path 3: All other non-citizens — Cannot vote
If you are DACA, undocumented, work visa, student, refugee, asylee, etc.
Cannot vote in federal or state elections. Voting as non-citizen is federal crime + deportable offense. Some local elections (school board) may be open to non-citizens depending on city — verify local law before participating.
Documents typically needed:
- N/A
Cost: $0
Timeline: Until naturalization
Path 4: Voting in home country
If you want to vote in your country of origin’s elections
Many Hispanic countries allow voting from abroad. Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, El Salvador, Honduras, Dominican Republic, etc. Register at your consulate. See our consulate appointment tracker tool.
Documents typically needed:
- Valid passport, voter registration card from your country
Cost: $0
Timeline: Register before election (90-180 days typically)
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information based on official sources. Not personalized legal advice. For specific situations consult an attorney or BIA-accredited representative.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
Frequently asked questions
Why list options by immigration status?
Will authorities report me if I use these services?
What if my status changes while I'm in process?
Is this list legal and official?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.