Voting and Election Laws

Please note important, temporary changes that may occur to voter accessibility due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On This Page

• Voting Rights Laws and Constitutional Amendments
• Voter Fraud, Voter Suppression, and Other Election Crimes
• Is Voting Mandatory in the United States?
• Voter Accessibility Laws
• Federal Campaign Finance Laws

Voting Rights Laws and Constitutional Amendments

U.S. election laws date back to Article 1 of the Constitution. This gave states the responsibility of overseeing federal elections. Many Constitutional amendments and federal laws to protect voting rights have been passed since then. Open All +

• Constitutional Amendments Affecting Voting Rights
• Federal Voting Rights Laws
• State Voter ID Laws

Voter Fraud, Voter Suppression, and Other Election Crimes

Learn where to report voter fraud and voting rights violations that you witness or suspect.Open All +

• What are federal election crimes?
• Is it illegal for someone to ask me who I voted for? Is it illegal for me to tell?
• How do I report voter fraud or voter suppression?

Is Voting Mandatory in the United States?

In the U.S., no one is required by law to vote in any local, state, or presidential election. According to the U.S. Constitution, voting is a right and a privilege. While many constitutional amendments have been ratified since the first election, none of them made voting mandatory for U.S. citizens. 

Voter Accessibility Laws

Voter accessibility laws ensure that people with disabilities or language barriers are able to vote.

If you know you’ll need accommodations on Election Day, contact your state or local election office to find out what to expect at your polling place. 

Please note: Many voters with disabilities rely on in-person voting at accessible polling places. Voters with language barriers often depend on the help of interpreters at the polls. 

Changes to polling places are possible due to the coronavirus. These may include different locations, layouts, procedures, and availability of translators.

If you need to vote in person, check your polling place before Election Day. Find out about early voting options. And check with local election officials to learn:

• If your needs will be met at your polling station
• Other ways you may be able to vote

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• Laws and Accommodations That Help Voters With Disabilities
• Accommodations That Help Voters Who Need Language Assistance

Federal Campaign Finance Laws

Federal law puts limits on campaign contributions to candidates for president and Congress. It requires the candidates to report all the money their campaigns receive and spend.Open All +

• How Much Can You Contribute to a Candidate for Federal Office?
• Financial Reporting Requirements for Candidates in Federal Elections
• The Federal Election Commission’s Role in Campaign Finance Law