Can I Vote in Federal Elections as a Green Card Holder?

As a green card holder, you cannot vote in federal elections like the presidential election as this right is limited only to U.S citizens.

The right to choose elected officials by voting in elections is one of the most important privileges of the democracy of the U.S. Federal, state and local elections are the different types of elections in the U.S. Only a U.S. citizen can register to vote in a federal election and cast his or her vote. Non-citizens that include green card holders cannot vote in federal elections. Violating the terms of legal resident status and registering to vote or voting in a federal election can have serious consequences. Legal residents might lose all the rights and privileges granted to them and are also more likely to be expelled from the U.S.

However, some jurisdictions in the U.S. allow non-U.S. citizens to vote in local elections. You can check with the state’s local voting authority for information on the requirements to vote in local elections. You will need to remember that you cannot vote in a federal election even if you are allowed to vote in local elections.

If you wish to vote in U.S. presidential elections and enjoy all rights granted to U.S. citizens, you can apply for U.S. citizenship. Make sure you meet all the naturalization requirements before you apply for it.

Check out our immigration blog for more immigration facts!