based on the constitution and amendment, who can vote in US?
Based on the original text of the U.S. Constitution and its subsequent amendments, the right to vote is primarily defined by who cannot be denied that right. While states generally determine specific registration requirements, the Constitution sets several federal "floors."
The following groups are explicitly protected or identified as eligible voters:
1. Citizens 18 Years of Age or Older
Under Amendment XXVI (1971), the right of citizens who are 18 years of age or older to vote cannot be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of age.
2. Citizens of All Races and Colors
Amendment XV (1870) prohibits the government from denying a citizen the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
3. Citizens of Both Sexes
Amendment XIX (1920) guarantees that the right to vote shall not be denied or abridged "on account of sex."
4. Citizens Regardless of Ability to Pay Taxes
Amendment XXIV (1964) states that the right to vote in federal elections cannot be denied due to a "failure to pay any poll tax or other tax."
5. Residents of Washington, D.C.
Amendment XXIII (1961) granted residents of the District of Columbia the right to vote for President and Vice President by allowing the District to appoint electors.
can non-citizen in US vote according to the constitution and amendments?
According to the U.S. Constitution and its amendments, there is no explicit ban on non-citizen voting. Instead, the Constitution and amendments define the right to vote "in the negative"—stating who cannot be denied the right (e.g., based on race, sex, or age).
However, federal law and state constitutions have largely closed the door that the U.S. Constitution technically leaves open.
1. Federal Elections (Strictly Prohibited)
While the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly forbid it, federal law—specifically the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996—makes it a crime for non-citizens to vote in federal elections (Presidential, Congressional, etc.).
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Penalty: Non-citizens who vote in federal elections can face fines, imprisonment, and deportation.
2. State and Local Elections (Varies)
The U.S. Constitution grants states the authority to determine "the Qualifications requisite for Electors." This means:
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Statewide Elections: Currently, no state allows non-citizens to vote in statewide elections (such as for Governor or state legislature). Arkansas was the last state to outlaw this in 1926.
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Local Elections: Because the U.S. Constitution does not prohibit it, some local municipalities choose to allow non-citizens (such as Green Card holders or DACA recipients) to vote in local-only contests.
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Examples include certain cities in Maryland, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., where non-citizens may vote for local offices like school boards or city council.
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