Can Migrants Vote in U.S. Elections?

Who Has the Right to Vote in Federal and Local Elections in the United States

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As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, one might assume that the entire population will cast a vote. But of the over 350 million people in the United States, only around 240 million are eligible to vote. This excludes millions of people, like green card holders, international students, and undocumented migrants — a key topic in this year’s political debates. Here’s a closer look at who can and can’t vote and why citizenship and race are such defining issues in this election.

Who Can Vote in the US?

In the US, only citizens have the right to vote in federal elections, including the presidential race. Voter eligibility includes people who were born in the US, those born to US parents abroad, and immigrants who went through the naturalisation process.To vote, you must also be at least on Election Day. Meeting these requirements means you’re eligible to register and cast a ballot in US elections.

However, this privilege is reserved exclusively for citizens — leaving out many who live and work in the US legally.

Green card holders, tourists, international students, and undocumented migrants…