What are voting rights?
Voting is a critical part of participating in American democracy, and every eligible voter has rights that protect their ability to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted. But understanding those rights is not always straightforward. This is in part because there is not one set of rules that applies everywhere in the country – voting in the United States is governed by a combination of federal, state, and local laws.
What are my rights as a voter?
State and local jurisdictions determine how Americans register, when and where they vote, what identification they need to provide, and how mail-in ballots are returned and counted. At the same time, federal law establishes baseline protections for all eligible voters across the country. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits racial discrimination in voting and protects the rights of voters who have disabilities or difficulty reading or writing. The Supreme Court has limited some of the Act’s protections in recent years, making an understanding of voting rights and protections especially important.
No matter where you live, eligible voters have the right to:
Vote privately and independently, without facing intimidation, threats, or harassment.
Vote if they are still in line when the polls close.
Ask for another ballot if they make a mistake.
Ask for a provisional ballot if they are not on the voter list at their polling place.
Ask for a paper ballot if the machines are down at their polling place.
Receive assistance when voting under circumstances protected by federal law, including language assistance and protections for voters with disabilities.
Why are we talking about this now?
With the 2026 midterm elections already underway, several recent legal and policy developments are raising questions about how voters will register, verify their eligibility, and cast their ballots.
Just last week, the Supreme Court has allowed the federal government to resume using its SAVE database to help states verify voter eligibility while litigation continues, raising concerns that inaccurate data could cause eligible voters to be incorrectly flagged. A proposed federal law known as the SAVE Act would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register or update a registration, which could create barriers for eligible voters who do not have ready access to those documents. At the same time, the Supreme Court has blocked changes to how mail ballots are processed from taking effect for the 2026 midterms, meaning states will continue using their existing mail-voting procedures this November.
Together, these developments are part of a broader landscape of changing rules, legal challenges, and potential barriers to voting. That makes it especially important to understand both the rights that protect eligible voters and the rules that apply where you live.
Why does this matter for democracy?
Knowing our voting rights is essential to fully participating in democracy, helping us understand what options are available, and ensuring that problems at the polls don’t prevent us from casting a ballot.
If the rules governing our elections – who can register, how ballots are distributed, or what voters must do to have their ballots counted – change close to Election Day, honest errors and confusion can become a barrier to voting. Eligible voters may become disenfranchised, whether inadvertently or as a result of policies that can make it harder for some eligible voters to participate.
Debates and potential rule changes should not obscure the fact that eligible voters have rights and must be able to exercise them.
Why does this matter for Jewish communities?
Democracy, which is essential to Jewish thriving, relies on free, fair, safe, and accessible elections. Elections only work when every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote. That’s why Jewish communities should defend voting rights and help ensure that every eligible voter can participate in our democracy.
Jewish organizations are uniquely positioned to support local civic life. Whether in congregations, schools, or community centers, Jewish institutions can help ensure their communities have accurate and up-to-date voting information, understand their voting rights, and feel empowered to cast their ballots on or before Election Day.
What can be done?
Learn →
Visit vote411.org to learn more about the voting rules and requirements in your area and review the League of Women Voters’ guide to your rights as a voter so you know what protections are available to you and what to do if you encounter a problem.
Speak →
Help your community navigate the upcoming election with accurate information. Reach out directly to friends, family, and community members to remind them to learn more about their voting rights, check their registration, and make a voting plan now — especially if they plan to vote by mail. If you hear that a voting rule has changed, check it against an official election source before sharing it.
Act →
Make your plan to vote now. Check your registration status, polling location, voting hours, identification requirements, and options for voting early or by mail. If you have recently moved or changed your name, confirm that your voter registration information is current. Your state or local election office remains the best source for current information about your registration, polling place, identification requirements, and options for casting and returning a ballot.
A More Perfect Union mobilizes the American Jewish community to protect and strengthen democracy. We’re committed to inspiring more American Jews to champion democracy through thoughtful, nonpartisan reflections on the challenges and choices facing our nation today. Never miss an update, subscribe today.
