Know Your Rights as a Voter

Your Fundamental Right to Vote

The right to vote is one of the most important rights in a democracy. Multiple amendments to the U.S. Constitution and numerous federal and state laws protect your ability to cast a ballot. The 15th Amendment prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, the 19th Amendment guarantees women's suffrage, the 24th Amendment bans poll taxes, and the 26th Amendment ensures citizens 18 and older can vote. Understanding your rights helps you exercise them confidently and effectively.

Protection from Discrimination

Federal law prohibits discrimination in voting based on race, color, national origin, sex, age (for those 18 and older), and disability. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the most significant civil rights laws in American history and provides broad protections against discriminatory voting practices. If you believe you have been discriminated against in the voting process, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, or contact a voter protection organization.

Your Right to a Provisional Ballot

Under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), if your eligibility to vote is in question at the polling place, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot. This applies if your name does not appear on the voter rolls, if there is a question about your identification, or if a poll worker challenges your eligibility for any reason. Your provisional ballot will be evaluated by election officials after the polls close and counted if you are determined to be eligible. You also have the right to find out whether your provisional ballot was counted.

Accessibility Rights

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Help America Vote Act require that polling places be accessible to voters with disabilities. Your accessibility rights include:

• Physical access to the polling place, including ramps and accessible parking
• Accessible voting machines with features like audio output, large displays, and adaptive controls
• The right to bring an assistant of your choice into the voting booth (except your employer or union representative)
• The right to request curbside voting if you cannot enter the polling place
• The right to the same amount of time and privacy as any other voter

Language Assistance

Under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act, certain jurisdictions are required to provide voting materials and assistance in languages other than English. If you have limited English proficiency, you may be entitled to ballots, voter registration forms, and election information in your preferred language. You also have the right to bring someone to assist you at the polls if you need help due to language barriers, as long as that person is not your employer or union agent.

Protection from Intimidation

It is a federal crime to intimidate, threaten, or coerce anyone with the purpose of interfering with their right to vote. You have the right to cast your ballot without being pressured, harassed, or threatened by anyone, including poll watchers, campaign workers, or other voters. If you experience or witness voter intimidation, you should report it to poll workers, your local election office, or the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). You may also report it to the FBI or the U.S. Department of Justice.

Your Right to Time Off to Vote

Most states have laws that require employers to provide employees with time off to vote. The specifics vary by state, including whether the time off must be paid, how much notice you must give your employer, and how much time you are allowed. Some states require employers to provide up to two or three hours of paid time off for voting. Check your state's laws to understand your specific protections. Your employer cannot penalize or retaliate against you for taking time off to vote where such protections exist.

What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated

If you believe your voting rights have been violated, take the following steps:

• Stay calm and clearly state your rights to the poll worker or official
• Ask to speak with a supervisor or the chief election judge at your polling place
• Request a provisional ballot if you are being denied a regular ballot
• Document the incident, including names, times, and what happened
• Contact the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE for immediate legal assistance
• File a complaint with your state election office or the U.S. Department of Justice
• Contact a local voter protection or civil rights organization

Knowing your rights and where to seek help ensures that barriers do not prevent you from exercising your right to vote.