As a new U.S. citizen, you have the opportunity to take part in U.S. elections. Voting is your right — and a great way to make a difference in your community.
Registering to vote is the first step
Before you can vote, you need to register. Once you’re registered, you can vote in state, local, and federal elections.
You may have already registered to vote at your naturalization ceremony. If you’re not sure, you can check your registration status online or visit your local election office. You may have also received a voter registration card by mail. If your name or address has changed, you will need to update your voter registration.
If you haven’t registered, don’t wait! You can register to vote any time after your naturalization ceremony.
Make sure you’re officially a citizen before registering.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen yet, you should not register to vote. Non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal, state, and most local elections. Registering to vote before you’re a citizen can affect your citizenship.
How to register to vote
You have options for registering
Each state and territory sets its own rules for registering to vote. You may be able to:
- Register online: Most states offer online registration. Select your state or territory to find out if you can register online.
- Register by mail: You can download and print the National Mail Voter Registration Form for use in every state except New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The form is available in many languages.
- Register in person: You can register in person at your state or local election office or your state motor vehicles office.
Find voter registration deadlines
There is no national voter registration deadline. In some states, the last day to register is 30 days before Election Day. In other states, you can register on Election Day. Election Day refers to any election (local, state, or a national election). Find voter registration deadlines in your state.
Find information on U.S. elections
Understand your vote at the local and national level
State and local elections happen throughout the year. At the state level, you may be voting for governors, judges, or members of the state legislature. Locally, you may be voting for mayors or other local officials. The winning candidates make decisions on topics such as the budget for public transit and schools in your community. These decisions affect your daily life.
Every four years, the presidential election decides who will be the leader of the United States. There are state and local primaries and caucuses that take place before the general election to choose presidential nominees. The general election decides the candidate. Each state has its own process and rules for voting.
Congressional elections decide who represents you in Congress. Congress has two parts: the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives represent districts within a state. They are elected every two years. Members of the U.S. Senate represent entire states. They serve for six years, but they are not all elected at the same time. Some senators and all members of the U.S. House of Representatives run for election (or re-election) during midterm elections. Midterm elections take place in the middle of every president’s four-year term.
Learn about your ballot
Learn how your vote affects your community so you can make an informed decision.
Many election offices post sample ballots online. Some also provide information online or by mail about candidates and ballot measures. Check your state or local election website for more information.
Sign up to be a poll worker
Support your community by becoming a paid poll worker. Poll worker duties are different depending on where you live. Many local election offices have poll workers do tasks such as:
Set up a voting location
Welcome voters
Confirm voter registration
Hand out ballots
Help voters use voting equipment
Explain voting procedures
As a poll worker, you will be paid for your time. Pay varies depending on location. Learn more about how to become a poll worker.
Support for new citizens
There are groups to help new citizens with various aspects of American life, including voting. You can:
- Contact the Office of New Americans in your state or local region.
- Find a local literacy center.
- Find groups of other new citizens that have experience with U.S. elections.
Language support
If English isn't your primary language and you want to vote in a different language, you can ask for help. Contact your state or local election office to find out what kind of support is available in your language, such as:
- Voting information and materials (such as ballots) in your language
- A poll worker who can communicate with you in your language (including American Sign Language)
- A family member or friend who can help translate for you at your voting location
Federal laws protect your right to vote
Learn about the federal laws that protect your ability to vote in the Know Your Rights Voting Guide from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The guide is also available in Spanish.
You can report a complaint to the DOJ if you experience any of the following while exercising your right to vote:
- Someone questions your right to vote
- You live in an area that is required to provide voting materials in certain languages, but don't receive those materials
- You don’t receive reasonable accessibility accommodations
Learn more about how the government makes sure that your vote is counted accurately.