Know Your Rights at the Polls
A quick-reference guide to voter protections
Your Constitutional Protections
The right to vote is protected by multiple amendments to the U.S. Constitution and reinforced by federal law. These protections exist to ensure that every eligible citizen can participate in elections.
15th Amendment (1870)
Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
19th Amendment (1920)
Guarantees women the right to vote. No state may deny or abridge the right to vote on account of sex.
24th Amendment (1964)
Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections. You cannot be required to pay a fee to vote.
26th Amendment (1971)
Lowers the voting age to 18. Citizens who are 18 or older cannot be denied the right to vote on account of age.
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Prohibits racial discrimination in voting practices. Requires language assistance in certain jurisdictions and bans literacy tests.
Your Rights at the Polling Place
Right to Cast a Provisional Ballot
Under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), if your name does not appear on the voter rolls or your eligibility is questioned, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot. Your vote will be counted after election officials verify your eligibility. Never leave the polling place without voting — always request a provisional ballot.
Right to Assistance
If you have difficulty reading, have a disability, or need language assistance, you may bring someone to help you vote. The person you choose cannot be your employer or union representative. Many polling places also provide language assistance and accessible voting machines.
Right to an Accessible Polling Place
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires polling places to be physically accessible. This includes wheelchair-accessible entrances, voting machines that accommodate various disabilities, and curbside voting. If your polling place is inaccessible, contact your local election office for an alternative.
Right to Vote Without Intimidation
Federal law prohibits voter intimidation in any form. No one — including poll workers, poll watchers, or other voters — may threaten, coerce, or harass you. Electioneering (campaigning) is prohibited within a set distance from the polling place, typically 25 to 200 feet depending on your state.
Right to a Secret Ballot
Your vote is private. No one can require you to reveal how you voted. Voting booths are designed to protect your privacy, and it is illegal for anyone to look at your ballot without your permission.
Right to Stay in Line
If you are in line when the polls close, you have the right to remain in line and cast your ballot. Do not leave — poll workers are required to allow everyone already in line to vote.
Right to Time Off to Vote
Most states require employers to provide time off for voting, though specifics vary (paid vs. unpaid, amount of time, advance notice requirements). Federal employees are entitled to time off without charge to leave. Check your state's laws for details.
What Poll Workers Cannot Do
Poll workers are there to help facilitate voting, but there are limits to their authority:
- They cannot ask you who you are voting for or try to influence your vote
- They cannot turn you away without offering a provisional ballot
- They cannot require a specific type of ID that is not mandated by your state law
- They cannot challenge your eligibility without a legitimate, lawful basis
- They cannot look at your completed ballot without your permission
- They cannot rush you or pressure you to hurry while you are voting
- They cannot tell you that you are at the wrong polling place without checking
If Something Goes Wrong
If you are turned away:
- Ask for the specific reason you are being turned away
- Request a provisional ballot — this is your legal right
- Do not leave without casting a provisional ballot
- Document the incident: time, location, names of poll workers
- Call the Election Protection Hotline immediately
If you experience intimidation:
- Stay calm and do not engage with the person intimidating you
- Report the behavior to a poll worker or election judge
- Call the Election Protection Hotline
- If you feel physically threatened, call 911
- Document what happened as soon as you are safe
If equipment malfunctions:
- Alert a poll worker immediately
- Ask for a paper ballot or alternative machine
- Do not leave without casting your vote
- Report persistent issues to your county election office
Emergency Contacts
- Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) — English
- Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
- Asian Languages: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
- Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
- Disability Rights: 888-644-4927 (TTY/ASL)
- U.S. Department of Justice Voting Section: 800-253-3931