How to Vote Safely: A Guide for Naturalized Citizens and All Other Eligible Voters

Among the millions of immigrants in the United States, there are approximately 26 million naturalized U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote in federal elections. In addition, many natural-born U.S. citizens live in mixed-status families in which some members are immigrants, or in areas of the country with large immigrant populations. These eligible voters will play a major role in the 2026 federal midterm elections, despite fearmongering, scare tactics, and intimidation efforts that are designed to discourage their participation.

This guide is designed to help eligible voters, including naturalized citizens, vote safely in federal elections in the 2026 midterms and beyond.

Who is eligible to vote in federal elections?

• In general, U.S. citizens who are 18 years or older can vote in federal elections, even if they took the oath of citizenship recently.
• To vote in a particular state, you must meet that state’s residency requirements and be registered to vote in that state. In many states, you must register to vote several weeks before an election to vote in it. Some states do not allow people who have been convicted of a felony or who are currently incarcerated to vote.
• You cannot vote in federal elections as a Lawful Permanent Resident (or “green-card holder”) or with any other non-citizen immigration status, like DACA or TPS.

What can you do to make sure you are prepared to vote?

• Confirm your eligibility and register to vote before your state’s deadline. Check your state’s rules here: vote.org/voter-registration-rules/.
• You are encouraged to vote early if you can do so, whether through early in-person voting or through mail-in voting, in states that make those options available. Check early voting options here: https://www.vote411.org/select-state.
• If you are voting on Election Day, find your polling location and make sure you have any necessary identification documents with you: https://www.vote411.org/select-state.
  • Voter ID requirements vary by state: some states require you to bring a government-issued photo ID, and others allow non-photo documentation of your identity, such as utility bills. You can find a summary of each state’s voter ID requirements here: https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id.

What should you know about voting by mail in the 2026 midterm elections?

• Many states allow voters to vote by mail, which is often called an “absentee ballot.” Some states, like Oregon and Colorado, conduct their elections entirely or largely by mail.
• Although the Trump administration attempted to overhaul the way the U.S. Postal Service handles mail-in ballots through an executive order, the Supreme Court rejected those efforts. States may continue conducting mail-in voting under their existing processes.
• In the 2024 general election, nearly 47 million ballots were cast by mail, accounting for roughly 30 percent of all ballots cast in the election.
• You can check your state’s mail-in voting options here: https://www.vote411.org/select-state. You can request an absentee ballot here: https://www.vote.org/absentee-ballot/.

What is not allowed at polling sites?

• It’s illegal to prevent someone from voting based on their English proficiency. You can bring a translator with you if the polling place doesn’t offer one.
• Despite threats by the Trump administration, it is illegal for armed agents from ICE or other federal agencies, including the U.S. Armed Forces, to appear at polling places.
• Harassment, intimidation, or any other action that prevents eligible people from voting is against the law, regardless of who does it.

What should you do if you see someone violating voting rights laws?

• Stay calm and don’t escalate. Instead, document what you’re seeing with details about the situation, like who is committing the violation, what they’re doing, and whether they are wearing a uniform.
  • It is important to keep in mind that some states prohibit taking photos or recording videos at polling places, and recording or photographing other voters could be considered voter intimidation under federal or state law.
• If you can do so safely, inform a poll worker of interference or intimidation at the polling site. You can also contact your state election office: http://www.usa.gov/state-election-office.
• As soon as you’re able to safely do so, call these Election Protection Hotline numbers to report what you saw:
  • English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
  • Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
  • Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
  • Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali/Bangla, and Punjabi: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
• Avoid amplifying unverified or unreliable reports of interference or intimidation at the polls. Such reports can spread misinformation and cause unnecessary panic. Instead, report suspicious incidents to the Election Protection Hotlines (phone numbers above), which can help verify and act on concerning reports.
• Don’t give up your right to vote! If you are in line by the time your polling location closes, you have a right to cast your vote.
• If your eligibility to vote is questioned, you can still request and submit a provisional ballot at the polling site. Election administrators will later review and determine your eligibility. Once you are deemed eligible at that time, your vote will be counted.
• Many immigrant rights organizations help defend the voting rights of U.S. citizens in immigrant communities, including naturalized citizens. Connect with your local immigrant rights organization and their election-related resources, which will be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of your local communities. A list of these organizations is available in NILC’s Solidarity Guide.