Samuel Adams — The Boston Gazette, April 16, 1781
“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual.”
Voting in America
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Federal Voting Laws — Who Can Vote in America?
Voting in federal elections is governed by the United States Constitution, federal laws, and state election requirements.
To vote in a federal election, an individual generally must:
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be 18 years of age or older on Election Day.
- Meet the residency requirements of the state in which they vote.
- Be properly registered, except in North Dakota, which does not require voter registration.
- Meet other applicable state eligibility requirements, which may include restrictions related to certain criminal convictions.
Important Federal Law: Under 18 U.S.C. § 611, noncitizens are generally prohibited from voting in elections for President, Vice President, U.S. Senator, or U.S. Representative, subject to limited statutory exceptions.
The 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the voting rights of American citizens aged 18 and older against age-based discrimination.
Official Government Sources:
Is Identification Required to Vote?
Voter identification requirements vary by state. Some states require government-issued photo identification, while others accept alternative documents or use different voter verification procedures.
Federal law also requires certain first-time voters who registered by mail to provide identification unless an exemption applies or their identity has already been verified.
Eligible voters who lack the required identification may have options, including provisional ballots, depending on state law.
Source: U.S. Election Assistance Commission and USAGov.
Constitutional Amendments That Protect Voting Rights
The 15th Amendment — Ratified February 3, 1870
Prohibits the federal and state governments from denying or abridging a citizen's right to vote because of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
The 19th Amendment — Ratified August 18, 1920
Prohibits denying or abridging a citizen's right to vote on account of sex. This amendment established constitutional protection against sex-based voting discrimination nationwide.
The 24th Amendment — Ratified January 23, 1964
Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections. Citizens cannot be denied the right to vote in federal elections because they have failed to pay a poll tax or other tax.
The 26th Amendment — Ratified July 1, 1971
Prohibits denying or abridging the right of United States citizens aged 18 or older to vote on account of age.
Why These Amendments Matter
These amendments helped expand and protect voting rights throughout American history. They establish constitutional limits on voting discrimination and remain essential protections for eligible American voters.
Official Historical Source:
National Archives — Amendments 11–27