Your Right to Vote
Voting is a fundamental right in the United States. Federal and state laws protect your ability to vote without harassment, intimidation, or discrimination.
Right to Privacy
Your vote is secret and protected. No one—not poll workers, employers, family members, or anyone else—can force you to vote a certain way or reveal how you voted.
Right to Assistance
If you are blind, have low vision, or have a disability that makes it difficult to vote, you have the right to:
- Bring someone to help you vote (family member, friend, or trusted person)
- Request assistance from poll workers
- Use accessible voting machines or materials
- Vote in an accessible location
Note: Poll workers cannot help you or influence your choices. A trusted person of your choosing can assist you.
Right to Language Assistance
If English is not your primary language, you have the right to:
- Bring an interpreter (family member, friend, or bilingual poll worker)
- Request materials in your language (if your state provides them)
- Ask poll workers for language support
Right to a Provisional Ballot
If your name is not on the voter roll or there's a question about your registration, you can cast a provisional ballot. This ballot is set aside and counted only if your eligibility is verified after Election Day.
You have the right to a provisional ballot if:
- Your name doesn't appear on the voter roll
- Your eligibility is questioned
- Your registration status is unclear
- You're voting in a different location than usual
Right to Correct Information
If poll workers tell you something that seems wrong (like "You're not registered"), you have the right to:
- Ask to speak with a poll observer (they're present at every polling place)
- Request a provisional ballot
- Ask for a copy of your voter registration record
- Contact your election office
Protection from Intimidation and Discrimination
It is illegal to:
- Intimidate, threaten, or coerce someone to vote or not vote
- Prevent someone from voting based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
- Require someone to show proof of citizenship beyond what the law allows
- Loiter near a polling place to intimidate voters
- Offer money or anything of value to influence how someone votes
If someone tries to intimidate you at the polling place:
Tell a poll worker or poll observer immediately. You can also report it to:
- Your state election office
- The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division: 1-800-253-3931
- Your local law enforcement
Right to Voter Information
You have the right to know:
- Where to vote (your polling place)
- When polls are open
- What's on your ballot
- How to register to vote
- Registration and voting deadlines
- What forms of ID are required
What If Something Goes Wrong?
Problem: Your name isn't on the voter roll
Request a provisional ballot. Your vote will be counted if your registration is verified.
Problem: You're told you can't vote
Ask to speak with a poll observer or election official. Ask to cast a provisional ballot.
Problem: Poll workers are being rude or dismissive
Ask for a poll observer or election official. Get the names and badge numbers of poll workers involved.
Problem: You're being intimidated or harassed
Report it to a poll observer, election official, or call the Election Protection Hotline: 1-888-OUR-VOTE (1-888-687-8683).
Contact Information for Voter Rights Support
Election Protection Hotline: 1-888-OUR-VOTE (1-888-687-8683) — Call for help with voting problems, intimidation, or questions about your voting rights.
U.S. Department of Justice: 1-800-253-3931 — Report voting discrimination or intimidation.
Your State Election Office: Visit your state's election website for contact information.
Know your rights, know your ballot
Now that you know your voting rights, discover the candidates and races in your area.