Elections are very important instances in the exercise of citizenship and the rights of Americans.
Voting is a citizen's right, but it has its rules and limitations. Knowing them will prevent the possibility of committing crimes and fraud.
Who is eligible to vote in the United States?
La eligibility of people to vote is defined within the national constitution and is therefore regulated at the state level. In the same constitution, it is established that no citizen can be denied the right to vote on the basis of sex, ethnicity or age (as long as they are 18 years of age or older).
To be able to vote, citizens must register in the state system, since, unlike what happens in many countries, voters in the United States are not automatically registered when they turn 18.
Requirements for Voting in Federal Elections
Those who meet the following requirements can vote in federal elections requisites:
- Being American citizens,
- Meet the residency requirements of the state where you live,
- Be 18 years old or turn 18 on election day,
- Register to vote before the registration deadline.
On the other hand, each state decides if people who are serving a sentence can vote or not. The rules depend on what each state has stipulated, according to the type of crime and conviction that the person has received.
Permanent Residents (Green Card)
State laws They do not allow permanent residents, holders of a Green Card, Can they vote in federal elections. Only people who already hold U.S. citizenship (naturalization) are eligible to vote.
Rights and Limitations
Despite the fact that foreign citizens who hold permanent residence or Green Card cannot vote in federal elections, if there are a number of cities in the United States that allow such people to vote in the local elections.
The municipalities that allow it are located in the states of California, Vermont, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. However, this right granted by some cities does not extend to the federal level.
Consequences of voting without being a citizen
The fact that a foreign citizen who holds the Green Card registers to vote, and even votes, will be considered a crime. This crime may also cause the Citizenship and Immigration Service to Deny naturalization of the resident, and can even deport him.
Differences between federal and local elections
The difference between federal and state or local elections is mainly due to state and local elections depend on the laws of each state and each municipality.
While in federal elections, the rules are included in the constitution and regulated at the national level, in state and local elections, the type of officials to vote will be determined according to the form that the local government takes, what its laws are and how it works.
Each state regulates what types of positions and functions can be electedr through the votes. In a state or local election, you could vote:
- Legislative officials, who draft state and local laws and policies,
- Governors and mayors
- Judicial officials, such as state and local judges,
- State or local laws or proposals
Election dates also vary by state or municipality, so it is recommended to consult elected officials or their respective headquarters for more information.
