I'm a recent immigrant to the USA. I have permanent residency but not citizenship. I was politically active in my old country and would like to become similarly involved here in America to make a positive contribution to my community. My question: what voting rights do I have? I know I can't vote in Presidential elections, but what about Congress/Senate? What about local city council politics? Thanks for any help.
Theoretically, a state could allow resident aliens to vote in state/local elections. They cannot allow resident aliens to vote in federal elections--Presidential and Congress/senate. I'm not sure any state does allow non-resident aliens to vote in state/local elections, but it is clearly in their power to allow it. How long have you been here? How long before you can apply for citizenship?
Well Federal you aint able to do anything - State... you need to check, some states allow residents vote, most dont. I am in Kansas, also a permanent resident, so I can vote in city and county elections only Where are you from? - - - Updated - - - They usually recommend 3 - 5 years. For me it will be the day I feel I am an American and not an Australian living in the US
I doubt you have any voting rights. I believe that some places in Maryland allow people such as yourself to vote, but so far as I know, most places still requires US Citizenship. Welcome to the USA, by the way. Hope you have no regrets in having come here.
Thanks for the replies. I'm originally from Ireland but I've been living in Arizona for 3 months. I absolutely love it here - the hot climate, desert environment and fantastic highway infrastructure. One thing I've noticed about America is that the customer is king. So many stores are open 24 hours, including the small CVS corner stores. If you want an ice-cream at 3am, you got it! And they'll have 20 different flavours to choose from. Bank ATMs are drive thru, as are some coffee shops. Everything is so convenient. Maybe other states are different but I love AZ. I'm getting a bit off-topic now. I've no immediate plans to apply for US citizenship but I look forward to campaigning for my chosen candidate in upcoming elections even if I'm not eligible to vote.
There is absolutely nothing that bars you from being politically active. You do not need to be registered to vote to take part in local political organizations at the precinct, county, and state level. You cannot vote in federal elections but that doesn't stop you from actively supporting candidates. Wishing to be active is admirable and I applaud you for it.
