Action Guide: Defend Your Right to Vote in the 2026 Elections

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 28: Activists participate in a March On For Voting Rights August 28, 2021 in Washington, DC. Voting rights activists gathered in Washington to mark the 58th anniversary of the 1963 March On Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, and urged the Senate to pass voting rights legislations.
(Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Amnesty International USA created this action guide to help ensure that all eligible citizens can participate in elections freely and without intimidation, discrimination, violence, or threats of violence. 

As the United States votes this fall, we will use the full force of our movement to stop authoritarian practices and defend human rights, including the right to vote. 

 

How you can get involved

Our Vote Is Our Power printed badge over American flag.
(iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Learn about the right to vote

Educate yourself and others about the connection between voting and human rights and why we must defend the right to vote in the face of increasing authoritarian practices in the United States.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 26: ICE agents stand guard in front of protesters outside the federal immigration center at Delaney Hall in Newark
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Keep polling places safe and free

Citizens must be able to participate in elections freely and without intimidation, violence and threats of violence. The presence of guns, troops or armed federal agents, including immigration enforcement and National Guard agents, at or near polling places poses a serious threat to the right to vote.

woman holds a sign reading,
(Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Tell Congress to do its job

The Trump administration is taking steps to increase federal control over elections. Congress has a responsibility to act when the executive branch exceeds its authority and threatens human rights. Your elected lawmakers must do their jobs to protect the right to vote and uphold the rule of law.

A demonstrator holds a sign that reads
(Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Vote for human rights!

Become a human rights voter! Don’t forget to register to vote, learn about the issues and candidates on your ballot, and encourage others to register and participate. Your vote matters!

  • Register to vote, learn what’s on your ballot, locate your polling place and more at Vote.org 
  • Learn whether you need an ID to vote and what kind of ID is accepted at VoteRiders.org. 

Amnesty International takes no position for or against any political ideology, party or candidate. The organization’s sole purpose is the promotion and defense of freedom, equality, justice, dignity, and human rights worldwide.

It is because of our mission that we are raising the alarm in the United States.

Learn more about how you can defend the right to vote!