Can a permanent resident vote?

Legal Permanent Residents cannot vote in any federal elections, but can vote in certain state and local elections that do not require voters to be U.S. citizens.

There are criminal penalties for voting when you are not a U.S. citizen and it is a requirement for voting. You can be removed (deported) from the U.S. if you vote in elections limited to U.S. citizens.

One of the most important privileges of democracy in the United States of America is the right to participate in choosing elected officials through voting. It is very important that you do not vote in national, state, or local elections that require a voter to be a U.S. citizen when you are not a U.S. citizen. Becoming a permanent resident of the United States is a wonderful thing, however, all Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) should remember that they must maintain their status at all times. Your status in the United States is not guaranteed and certain actions may cause you to lose your green card status or be deported from the United States.