Who Can and Can’t Vote in U.S. Elections

Voting and Election Laws Please note important, temporary changes that may occur to voter accessibility due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Is Voting Mandatory in the United States? In the U.S., no one is required by law to vote in any local, state, or presidential election. According to the U.S. Constitution, voting is a right and a privilege. Many constitutional amendments have been ratified since the first election. However, none of them made voting mandatory for U.S. citizens.

Federal Campaign Finance Laws Federal law puts limits on campaign contributions to candidates for president and Congress. It requires the candidates to report all the money their campaigns receive and spend. How Much Can You Contribute to a Candidate for Federal Office? Most individuals can donate up to $2,800 per election, per candidate during the 2019-2020 elections. That means you can donate up to $2,800 each to: One or more candidates in a federal primary election One or more candidates in a federal general election Learn which organizations and individuals are not allowed to donate to federal candidates. Financial Reporting Requirements for Candidates in Federal Elections The Federal Election Campaign Act requires candidates to report: Where the money they raise comes from, and the amounts Where the money they spend goes, and the amounts The law applies to candidates for president as well as for the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. The Federal Election Commission’s Role in Campaign Finance Law The Federal Election Commission (FEC) oversees enforcement of the Federal Election Campaign Act. The FEC: Sets campaign contribution limits for individuals and groups Tracks campaign finance data Oversees public funding used in presidential elections

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Last Updated: September 1, 2020