When you get or renew a driver's license or state ID, the DMV often asks: "Do you want to register to vote?" This is called motor voter registration. In some states, the DMV sends your information to the election office unless you say no.
Only US citizens may vote in federal and state elections. This includes green card holders: a green card holder is not a citizen and must not register or vote. It also includes students, workers, spouses and refugees.
To register, you usually confirm that you are a US citizen. Saying "yes" to that question, on paper or on a screen, can count as a false claim to US citizenship.
A false claim to citizenship can make a person removable (deported) and inadmissible (not allowed back in). For most people, there is no waiver.
Voting when you are not allowed to can also be a federal crime.
The citizenship application, Form N-400, asks if you ever claimed to be a citizen, registered to vote, or voted. A record from years ago can lead to a denial.
Saying "I did not know" often does not fix it. The rule does not require that you meant to lie.
Read every screen and form slowly.
When asked about voting or citizenship, choose No.
If a question asks "Are you a US citizen?", answer No unless you are one.
If you do not understand a screen, ask the clerk: "Is this about voting? I am not a citizen."
Ask for a printed receipt or copy of your application if the office offers one.
If you ticked it by mistake
Act quickly and keep a paper trail.
Talk to an immigration lawyer first, before you write or sign anything. What you say in a letter can matter later.
With the lawyer's help, contact your county or local election office (find it on vote.gov). Ask them to cancel the registration because you are not a citizen.
Ask for the cancellation in writing. Keep the letter, emails, and the names of people you spoke to.
Do not vote, even if a voter card or a mail ballot arrives. Do not throw it away; keep it with your records and tell the election office.
Keep all of this for future applications. Answer every immigration question truthfully, with your lawyer's help.
Some jury duty forms ask if you are a citizen. Non-citizens answer no and are usually excused.
Some job, bank or school forms ask about citizenship. Answer honestly.
Groups at shops or events may ask you to register. Say: "No, thank you. I am not a citizen."
Thinking a green card means you may vote. It does not.
Thinking local elections are fine. A few cities allow some non-citizens in local votes only, but federal and state elections never. When unsure, do not register.
Clicking through DMV screens fast to finish.