Civic Ready™ — Your Rights
KNOW YOUR
RIGHTS
Your rights at the polls. Know them. Use them. Protect them.
You have the right to vote — and the right to have that vote counted. This guide tells you what to expect, what to do if something goes wrong, and who to call when your rights are threatened.
1-866-OUR-VOTE
Election Protection Hotline — nonpartisan voter assistance
At the Polls
YOUR RIGHTS AS A VOTER
Right to Vote if You're in Line
If you are in line when polls close, you have the right to cast your ballot. Do not leave. Poll workers must let everyone in line vote.
Right to a Provisional Ballot
If your name is not on the voter rolls or your registration is questioned, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot. Always ask for one rather than leaving without voting.
Right to Assistance
You may bring a person of your choice to assist you in the voting booth (with limited exceptions). Many states also provide language assistance — ask your poll worker.
Right to a Private Ballot
No one can require you to show your marked ballot or tell them how you voted. Your choices are private.
Right to a Do-Over (Spoiled Ballot)
If you make a mistake on your ballot before submitting it, you can request a new one. This is called spoiling your ballot.
Right to Know ID Requirements in Advance
ID laws vary by state. Some states require photo ID; others don't. Know your state's requirements before you go. If you don't have the required ID, ask about alternatives — many states allow affidavits or provisional ballots.
If Something Goes Wrong
IF YOU'RE TURNED AWAY
Being turned away does not mean you can't vote. Here's exactly what to do:
- 1
Stay calm. Ask the poll worker to explain the reason.
- 2
Request a provisional ballot — this is your right.
- 3
Ask for the name of the chief election judge at the site.
- 4
Call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).
- 5
Note the time, the name of the poll worker, and what happened.
1-866-OUR-VOTE
Election Protection Hotline — nonpartisan · available Election Day
VOTER ID REQUIREMENTS
Voter ID laws vary significantly by state — from strict photo ID requirements to no ID requirement at all. Know your state's rules before you go. If you don't have required ID, many states offer alternatives including signed affidavits or provisional ballots.
Source: Vote.org · Last verified June 2026
The Bigger Picture
THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was one of the most powerful civil rights laws ever enacted. It prohibited discriminatory voting practices and required states with histories of discrimination to get federal approval before changing election rules. In 2013, the Supreme Court gutted a key section — and within hours, states began restricting voting access. The work to restore and strengthen the VRA continues.
CURRENT SUPPRESSION THREATS
Voter Roll Purges
States routinely remove voters from rolls — often without sufficient notice. You can be purged if you haven't voted recently. Always check your registration before any election.
Polling Place Closures
Since 2013, over 1,688 polling places have closed nationwide — disproportionately in communities of color. Closures force voters to travel farther and wait longer.
Strict Photo ID Requirements
38 states now have voter ID laws. Strict photo ID laws disproportionately affect Black, Brown, elderly, young, low-income, and disabled voters — groups less likely to have qualifying ID.
Mail Ballot Restrictions
Multiple states have restricted absentee voting, banned or limited drop boxes, required notarization or witnesses, and shortened request deadlines since 2020.
Redistricting / Gerrymandering
The redrawing of legislative districts can dilute the voting power of communities of color — concentrating or splitting them to reduce their electoral influence.
What you can do about it:
- ✓Check your registration 2–3 weeks before every election
- ✓Bring a valid ID even if your state doesn't require one
- ✓Know your polling place — it may have changed
- ✓Report problems to Election Protection immediately: 1-866-OUR-VOTE
- ✓Support organizations fighting voter suppression — NAACP, ACLU, LDF, Fair Fight
Election Protection Hotlines
CALL IF YOUR RIGHTS ARE THREATENED
These hotlines are nonpartisan, free, and staffed by trained volunteers who can help you on Election Day and during early voting.
Trusted Resources
Election Protection Hotline
1-866-OUR-VOTE · Call if you have problems at the polls
ACLU Voting Rights
Know your rights — state-by-state guides
Vote.org — Your Rights
Official voter rights information by state
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Voting rights litigation and protection
Restore Your Vote (ACLU)
Rights restoration for people with convictions
Fair Fight Action
Fighting voter suppression in key states
Stay Informed
GET VOTING RIGHTS UPDATES
Laws change. Deadlines move. Court decisions matter. Get election reminders and voting rights alerts when it counts.
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