voting information for immigrants
Only U.S. citizens can vote or register to vote. Under immigration law, non-citizens who register to vote or who vote can face serious immigration penalties, including deportation.
CAN I VOTE OR REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE U.S.?
Only U.S. citizens can vote or register to vote. This is true for all U.S. and State elections. For immigrants who are not U.S. citizens, please be careful you do not register to vote or vote at this time.
Under immigration law, non-citizens who register to vote or who vote can face serious immigration penalties, including deportation. It does not matter if they registered or voted by mistake, or were told by others it was safe to do so.
Please exercise caution and be certain that you are a U.S. citizen before registering to vote. And please DO register to vote and vote if and when you become a U.S. citizen in the future!
Video updated: September 2024
How do I fill out the citizenship question on Maine’s voter registration form?
Maine voter registration forms have a check box asking, “Are you a citizen of the United States of America?” You should only check “Yes” and continue to register if you are legally a U.S. citizen.
A U.S. citizen is not the same as a “resident” or “person living in the U.S.” A U.S. citizen someone who was born in the U.S. or who went through the citizenship application process and was sworn in as a U.S. citizen, or who legally acquired U.S. citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent.
Are you helping others register to vote or vote?
As you do the exciting and important work of educating people on voting and voter registration, please be sure everyone understands that ONLY U.S. citizens may register or vote. And that, for non-citizens, a mistake can have serious consequences under U.S. immigration laws.
Guide updated: June 2022
How can i pROTECT MYSELF AGAINST IMMIGRATION FRAUD?
Be careful when getting help with your immigration case! Beware of people in Maine who try to trick you by pretending to help with immigration cases. These people can steal your money and hurt your immigration case.
The best way to protect yourself is by having information about what these people do and being careful about who you allow to help you with your immigration case.
The ILAP resources on this page were developed by lawyers and accredited representatives, but are not a substitute for legal advice.
