Although voting is in some ways one of the most common aspects of American life, the choices we make on our ballots can often be deeply personal and intimate decisions. And as Election Day 2024 finally approaches, many are beginning to wonder: Can people see who I voted for?

The issue has returned to the forefront of the national scene, with an ad supporting Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris assuring women that their partners won’t know if they’re voting for the vice president over former President Donald Trump. A similar ad aimed at men featuring George Clooney also debuted this weekend.

Concerns about voting privacy are not uncommon. A study from 2022 found that about 70 percent of New Mexico voters believed people could find out how they voted. There may be a number of reasons why someone might want to keep their voting choices private, and the idea has resonated with many as they weigh their options this election season.

Read on to get all the information you need about keeping your vote private and to find out more about the upcoming elections, find out where every candidate is running on the child tax credit And find out what’s on your ballot this year.

Can anyone see who I voted for?

The short answer: no. No one can know how you voted in a given election unless you tell them personally. In fact, protections for “secret voting,” as it is called in the United States, appear in every state’s statutes or constitutions, according to the Congressional Research Service.

“So when you go to vote, your name is not associated with your ballot,” said Michael Morse, an assistant professor of law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. said in an interview with NPR. “The ballot is anonymous. Once compiled, it will no longer be connected to you.”

Is there anything people can see about my vote?

Some information about you related to voting is public. The list of registered voters in a given state — known as “electoral lists” – is publicly available information and will indicate your name as well as your address, your party affiliation and possibly the date of your last vote. The Federal Election Commission also keeps records of individual contributions to political entities, such as campaigns, that exceed $200.

Is sharing my vote legal?

In most cases, choosing to share who or what you voted for is legal. However, the trend of sharing “voting selfies” — photos showing your ballot with choices filled in — on social media is illegal in some states and could get you in trouble. You can check out CNET’s breakdown to find out whether or not sharing these kinds of photos is legal where you live.

To learn more, also see CNET’s list of states will still allow you to request a postal vote.