Understanding Voter Eligibility in US Elections.
Federal judge

via WXYZ-TV Detroit
A federal judge upheld new Arizona laws requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration.
To prevent voter fraud

via CNN
The judge ruled the laws were not discriminatory, aiming to prevent voter fraud and ensure only eligible individuals vote.
Arizona’s interests

via MSNBC
“Considering the evidence as a whole, the court concludes that Arizona’s interests in preventing non-citizens from voting and promoting public confidence in Arizona’s elections outweighs the limited burden voters might encounter when required to provide (documentary proof of citizenship),” the judge wrote.
To include birthplace

via NBC News
However, a requirement to include birthplace on registration forms was deemed a violation.
Non-citizen voting

via NBC News
The ruling highlighted the rarity of non-citizen voting in Arizona but suggested the laws could deter non-citizens from registering or voting.
Non-citizen voter fraud

via Joe Biden
“The court finds that though it may occur, non-citizens voting in Arizona is quite rare, and non-citizen voter fraud in Arizona is rarer still,” the ruling stated. “But while the voting laws are not likely to meaningfully reduce possible non-citizen voting in Arizona, they could help to prevent non-citizens from registering or voting.”
A focus on election integrity

via CNN
The laws were enacted following claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election, with a focus on election integrity and preventing illegal voting.
Counting every lawful vote

via Joe Biden
“Election integrity means counting every lawful vote and prohibiting any attempt to illegally cast a vote,” then-Gov. Doug Ducey wrote in March 2022.
Cornerstone of democracy

via CNN
Voting is a fundamental right and cornerstone of democracy in the United States, empowering citizens to participate in the governance of their nation and shape the course of its future. However, not everyone is eligible to vote, and the criteria for determining voter eligibility can vary from state to state.
Voter eligibility

via CNN
The most fundamental criterion for voter eligibility in US elections is citizenship.
US citizens

via NBS News
To vote in federal elections, including presidential, congressional, and senatorial races, individuals must be US citizens. This requirement is enshrined in federal law and is consistent across all states.
Not eligible to vote

via CNN
Non-citizens, including permanent residents (green card holders) and visa holders, are not eligible to vote in federal elections, although some states allow non-citizens to vote in local and municipal elections under certain circumstances.
Age requirement

via Joe Biden
In addition to citizenship, individuals must meet a minimum age requirement to be eligible to vote in US elections. The legal voting age in the United States is 18 years old. This requirement is established by the 26th Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified in 1971, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.
Election Day

via Joe Biden
Eligible individuals must be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day to cast a ballot in federal, state, and local elections.
Must be resident

via Joe Biden
Another key criterion for voter eligibility is residency. To vote in US elections, individuals must be residents of the state and county in which they seek to register to vote.
A fixed and permanent domicile

via Joe Biden
Residency requirements vary by state but typically involve establishing a fixed and permanent domicile within the jurisdiction.
Update their voter registration

via Joe Biden
Individuals who move to a new state must update their voter registration to reflect their new address and fulfill any residency requirements imposed by the state.
Must register

via NBC News
In order to vote in US elections, eligible individuals must register to vote. Voter registration processes and deadlines vary by state, with some states offering online registration, same-day registration, and automatic voter registration through interactions with government agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Proof of identity

via NBC News
Voter registration typically requires providing proof of identity, citizenship, and residency, as well as completing a voter registration form.
Primary criteria

via Reuters
While citizenship, age, residency, and registration are the primary criteria for voter eligibility, individuals with criminal convictions may face restrictions on their voting rights.
Criminal convictions

via Reuters
The rules governing voting rights for individuals with criminal convictions vary by state, with some states disenfranchising individuals with felony convictions while others restore voting rights upon completion of their sentence or probation.
Felony disenfranchisement

via NBC News
Efforts to reform felony disenfranchisement laws and restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals have gained traction in recent years, reflecting broader efforts to expand access to the franchise and promote civic engagement.
Federal and state laws

via NBC News
Voter eligibility in US elections is governed by a combination of federal and state laws, which establish criteria related to citizenship, age, residency, and registration.
State to state

via Joe Biden
While the specific requirements may vary from state to state, the principles of democracy and civic participation remain constant.
Fundamental right to vote

via NBC News
By understanding and fulfilling the requirements for voter eligibility, citizens can exercise their fundamental right to vote and play an active role in shaping the future of their communities, states, and nation.
