Article One of the US Constitution makes voting in Federal Elections a right and a privilege for all US Citizens. Under the Constitution each State is responsible for Federal Elections for their Citizens. A number of State and Federal Laws exist to define and manage voter rights, voter registration, and the voting process; including several Civil Rights Acts and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA). Currently, all States require Voter Registration except North Dakota, and two-thirds of the States require some form of Voter Identification before you are allowed to vote in-person. However, Voter ID is not required in a majority of States for Mail-In Ballots. The NVRA mandates Voter Registration when a Drivers License is issued and for people receiving Public Assistance.

You can vote in U.S. elections if you:

• Are a U.S. citizen; (Puerto Ricans can vote if they live in a State)
• Meet your state’s residency requirements;
• Are 18 years old on or before Election Day; and
• Are registered to vote by your state’s voter registration deadline.
Note: Some States prevent convicted Felons and mentally disabled people from Voting.

Requiring Voter Id for casting a ballot (in-person or mail-in) promotes election integrity and reduces voting fraud.