Civic Engagement for New Citizens

As a naturalized citizen, you have the same rights as citizens born in the United States, with one exception: only natural-born citizens are eligible to serve as President or Vice President. In all other respects, your citizenship is equal.

Key rights you now hold:

• The right to vote -You can vote in federal, state, and local elections. This is one of the most fundamental ways to shape the government that represents you.
• The right to run for elected office -Naturalized citizens are eligible to run for most elected positions, including U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, governor, mayor, school board, and many more.
• The right to a U.S. passport -You can apply for a U.S. passport and receive full consular protection when traveling abroad.
• The right to petition the government -You can contact your elected officials, attend public hearings, and advocate for policy changes.
• Protection from deportation -As a citizen, you cannot be deported. Your citizenship is permanent unless you voluntarily renounce it or it is revoked through a federal court proceeding in rare cases involving fraud during the naturalization process.

Key responsibilities:

• Obeying federal, state, and local laws
• Paying federal, state, and local taxes
• Serving on a jury when called
• Registering with the Selective Service if you are a male between 18 and 25

For a full overview of citizen rights and responsibilities, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Registering to vote is typically the first civic step new citizens take. You are eligible to register as soon as you take the Oath of Allegiance. Some naturalization ceremonies even offer on-site voter registration.

How to register:

• Online -Many states allow online voter registration. Visit vote.gov to find your state's registration system and check whether online registration is available where you live.
• By mail -You can download and print a National Voter Registration Form from vote.gov, fill it out, and mail it to your state election office.
• In person -You can register at your local election office, many DMV offices, and other government agencies. Some states also allow same-day registration at polling places.

What you'll need: Your naturalization certificate number or Certificate of Citizenship number, your current address, and a state-issued ID or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Requirements vary by state.

Registration deadlines: Most states require you to register a certain number of days before an election. Check your state's deadline well in advance to ensure you can vote. For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide to voter registration.

Jury service is both a right and a responsibility of citizenship. Only U.S. citizens can serve on juries, and the jury system depends on having a representative cross-section of the community. As a new citizen, you may be called for jury duty in either federal or state court.

How jury selection works:

• Courts draw potential jurors from lists of registered voters, licensed drivers, and other public records. Once you register to vote or obtain a state ID, you may be called.
• If summoned, you'll report to the courthouse on a specified date. Most jury service involves a brief screening process called voir dire, where attorneys for both sides ask questions to select jurors.
• Many people who are summoned are not ultimately selected to serve on a trial. You may be dismissed after the screening process.

What to expect: Jury service can last from one day to several weeks, depending on the case. Federal law and most state laws require employers to allow time off for jury duty, though compensation policies vary. If serving would create a genuine hardship, you can request a postponement or exemption from the court.

Why it matters: The right to a trial by a jury of one's peers is a cornerstone of the American legal system. Serving on a jury gives you a direct role in ensuring justice is applied fairly in your community.

Civic engagement goes well beyond voting. There are many ways to participate in your community and make your voice heard at the local, state, and federal levels.

Ways to get involved:

• Contact your elected officials -You have representatives at the federal, state, and local levels. They work for you, and their offices are set up to hear from constituents. Use our guide to find out who represents you.
• Attend public meetings -City council meetings, school board meetings, and town halls are open to the public. Attending gives you insight into how local decisions are made and a chance to speak during public comment periods.
• Join local boards and commissions -Many municipalities have volunteer boards that advise on planning, parks, libraries, public safety, and other issues. These positions are open to residents and are a great way to contribute your skills and perspective.
• Volunteer for campaigns or causes -Political campaigns, voter registration drives, and community organizations always need volunteers. This is a way to meet neighbors and contribute to causes you care about.
• Run for office -Naturalized citizens are eligible for nearly all elected offices. Many local positions -school board, city council, county commission -are part-time roles that don't require previous political experience. See our guide to local politics for more information.

Official government resources:

• USCIS (uscis.gov) -U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides information on citizenship rights and responsibilities, replacement naturalization certificates, and applying for U.S. passports after naturalization.
• vote.gov -The federal government's voter registration portal. Provides links to each state's registration system and information about registration deadlines and requirements.
• USA.gov -A general portal for federal government services and information, including guides on government structure, finding elected officials, and understanding federal agencies.

Tips for getting started:

• Keep your naturalization certificate in a safe place. You may need it for voter registration, passport applications, and other processes.
• Register to vote as soon as possible, even if there isn't an election coming up soon. Being registered means you'll be ready when the time comes.
• Learn who your officials are at every level -federal, state, and local. You can use My Democracy's tools to find them by your address.
• Don't feel pressured to have opinions on every issue immediately. Take time to learn about the issues that affect your community and form your own views.