Voting Rights,
protected and enforced.
The right to vote is fundamental — but voting rights violations are more common than most people realize. Our AI Legal Nerds help you understand your voting rights, report violations, and take action when those rights are threatened.
Federal Voting Rights Protections
Multiple federal laws protect your right to vote. Understanding these protections is the first step to defending them.
Voting Rights Act of 1965
Prohibits voting practices and procedures that discriminate based on race, color, or membership in a language minority group. Section 2 allows challenges to discriminatory voting laws nationwide.
National Voter Registration Act
Requires states to offer voter registration at DMVs and public assistance agencies, limits when voters can be removed from rolls, and requires states to maintain accurate voter registration lists.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Requires polling places to be accessible to voters with disabilities and requires election officials to provide reasonable accommodations — including accessible voting machines and assistance.
UOCAVA — Military and Overseas Voters
Guarantees the right of military personnel and overseas citizens to register and vote absentee in federal elections. States must send ballots at least 45 days before federal elections.
Language Minority Protections
Jurisdictions with large language minority populations must provide voting materials and assistance in minority languages under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act.
Help America Vote Act
Requires states to allow provisional ballots when a voter's registration is in question, establishes minimum standards for voting systems, and creates the Election Assistance Commission.
Common Voting Rights Violations
Voter Intimidation
Threatening, coercing, or intimidating voters at or near polling places is a federal crime under 52 U.S.C. § 20511 and 18 U.S.C. § 594. Report immediately to your state election office and the DOJ Voting Section.
Wrongful Purges from Voter Rolls
States must follow strict procedures before removing voters from rolls. If you were wrongfully purged, you have the right to challenge the removal and cast a provisional ballot on election day.
Inaccessible Polling Places
Polling places must be accessible to voters with disabilities. If your polling place lacks ramps, accessible parking, or accessible voting equipment, file a complaint with the ADA National Network and your state election office.
Long Lines and Polling Place Closures
Strategic reduction of polling places in minority communities may violate the Voting Rights Act. Document long wait times, photograph conditions, and report to voting rights organizations and the DOJ.
What to Do if Your Voting Rights Are Violated
Demand a provisional ballot
If your registration is questioned or you are turned away at the polls, demand a provisional ballot. You have the legal right to cast one — and it will be counted if your eligibility is confirmed.
Document everything
Note the time, location, poll worker name or badge number, and exactly what happened. Take photos if safe to do so. Your documentation is critical for any complaint or legal action.
Report immediately
Call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE. Report to your state election office and the DOJ Voting Section at 1-800-253-3931. Time-sensitive violations need immediate reporting.
Pursue legal remedies
Voting rights violations can be challenged in federal court under the Voting Rights Act, Constitution, and other federal statutes. Our AI connects you with voting rights attorneys and organizations.
Your vote is your fundamental right
Get expert AI guidance on protecting your voting rights and reporting violations to the right authorities.