Voting Myths: What You Need to Know to Vote
Beware of misinformation! Find out the truth about voting myths, and then tell your family and friends.
To report a voting problem or for general elections/voting questions, contact the Election Protection Coalition at 1-866-Our-Vote or help@866ourvote.org.
Truth or Myth?
You cannot vote if you have outstanding parking tickets, traffic violations, unpaid child support, utility bills, mortgage payments or other fines.
The Facts: Poll workers do not have any information about any outstanding tickets, fines, bills, violations or payments. No one will be at the polling places to collect, arrest, cite or detain voters.
Truth or Myth?
You cannot vote if your home is in foreclosure.
The Facts: If your home is in foreclosure, you do not lose your right to vote, nor can you be challenged on your right to vote.
If you move right before the election, you may be able to vote at your old address. If you've recently moved, contact your state election office for more information.
Truth or Myth?
Immigration officers will be checking your citizenship status at the polls.
The Facts: Poll workers, or any other government officials at the polls, are not permitted to ask you about your citizenship status if you are already registered. In certain states they may ask for ID to verify your identity.
If you feel like you are being singled out because you "look" like an immigrant, or if a poll worker is intimidating you, take down the poll worker's name and any names of witnesses and call the Election Protection Coalition at 1-866-Our-Vote.
Truth or Myth?
You may receive phone calls or emails with election information - like changes to polling times and locations, or a notification that you that you aren't eligible to vote.
The Facts: False rumors often get passed around by email, and phone calls may contain misleading information intended to keep your vote from being counted. A few dishonest candidates and groups even make calls pretending to be their opponent.
Don't believe everything you hear. Check with your state election office to make sure you have the correct information, and don't forward emails to others unless you know the information is accurate. You can also call the Election Protection Coalition at 1-866-Our-Vote with any questions.
Truth or Myth?
You can't vote if you've ever served time in prison.
The Facts: Being convicted of a misdemeanor does not affect your voting rights. If you were convicted of a felony, your rights vary by state.
In many states, felons regain their right to vote after completing their sentence. Check with your state election office for more information.
Truth or Myth?
You need a driver's license to vote.
The Facts: Some states require voters to present ID when they vote, but various forms of ID may qualify. Check with your state election office for more information, and a list of acceptable forms of identification in your state, if required.
Truth or Myth?
The poll workers have final say over who gets to vote.
The Facts: If a poll worker challenges your eligibility to vote you can request a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are researched after the election to determine the voter's eligibility. If eligibility is confirmed, the provisional ballot is counted along with all other official election results.
Voting Resources
Visit Election Protection In Your State to find specific resources for your state, including:
- How to verify your registration
- Identification required to vote
- Polling place locations
- Absentee and early voting
- Your state's election office website and contact information
