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)

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.