Q#1: Who can vote in the US Presidential Election held November 5th?
A#1: To vote in any US Federal Election, you must be a US Citizen, meet your state’s residency requirements, be at least 18 years old on election day, and register to vote before your state’s deadline.
Q#2: Can I vote no matter how I became a US Citizen?
A#2: Yes. As long as you are a US Citizen through birth in the United States, through derivative citizenship based on birth oversees to a US Citizen parent, or after applying to Naturalize after being a Legal Permanent Resident, you are eligible to vote.
Q#3: Notwithstanding the fact that I am a US Citizen, are there any restrictions for citizens with felony convictions or mental incapacities?
A#3: If you have one of these issues, you should contact the election official in the county where you are registered to vote. They will verify your facts and situation to determine whether you are eligible to vote in the election.
Q#4: Are there different ways that I am allowed to vote?
A#4: Yes. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be directed to a polling location on election day, or you may be able to vote early at a designated polling location, or you can request or vote using a mail-in ballot. However, regardless of the manner of voting, you can only vote once!
Q#5: If I wish to donate money or volunteer for a political campaign, am I required to be a US Citizen to participate?
A#5: Depends. If you are a US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident, you can donate money and can volunteer with political campaigns. However, if you are a not a US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident, you are not allowed to give money to political campaigns. However, regardless of your status, you may provide volunteer services to political campaigns.
Q#6: What if I am currently a Legal Permanent Resident, but really want to vote in this federal election, what should I do?
A#6: You should talk to an immigration attorney to determine if you can qualify for US Citizenship. Any Legal Permanent Resident, upon meeting the requirements, is allowed to become a US Citizen, and only US Citizens are allowed to vote.
Eamonn P.S. Roach is an attorney of the firm Roach & Bishop, LLP in Pasco, Washington, who practices immigration law. This information does not constitute legal advice. It is possible that this information does not apply to you. Each case depends on specific facts. If you have questions regarding the immigration laws that you would like answered in this column, please send them to: Eamonn P.S. Roach, 9221 Sandifur Pkwy, Suite C., Pasco, WA 99301, phone: (509) 547-7587, fax: (509) 547-7745; or email eroach@roachlaw.com.
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