U.S. Citizenship and the Right to Vote in General Elections

Naturalization is the process that allows people born abroad to obtain United States citizenship, also referred to as “American citizenship.” One of the benefits or privileges acquired is the right to vote in electoral processes (federal, state, and local elections) to choose Government officials.

The right to vote: Voting and Elections

Given that on November 8, 2016, the presidential elections will take place, we consider it important to remind the following to those who have recently obtained citizenship and may be voting for the first time:

Voter registration deadlines

In all states, except North Dakota, you must be registered as a voter before voting. Some states close the voter registration period 30 days before Election Day. Others keep voter registration open until Election Day itself.

You can get help to vote

• Help in other languages
• Help for voters with disabilities
• Help with voting equipment

You can file a complaint if you are discriminated against when voting

If you believe that your rights as a voter have not been respected, you can report it to the authorities. These are some examples of discrimination when voting:

• Not allowing a citizen to vote because of their race, country of origin, or religion
• Requiring a voter to pass a reading test or explain some part of the United States Constitution in order to vote
• Requiring someone who wants to register to vote to bring a registered voter who can vouch for their “good conduct”

If you are not a U.S. citizen, registering to vote or voting in federal elections is considered a crime. Therefore, if you are a lawful permanent resident, you must first obtain citizenship before being able to vote. Learn about who is eligible to obtain American citizenship and what the requirements are.

Other benefits of American citizenship

Aside from the right to vote, once citizenship is granted, people born abroad obtain most of the rights of people born in the United States, such as the right to apply for and obtain government jobs and the freedom to travel with a U.S. passport.

Also, for immigration procedures for family members, you will be able to petition a greater number of direct relatives such as siblings, parents, and married children and their children, something that is not allowed for those who have a green card, or lawful permanent residence, who can only petition for spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old), and their respective children. Learn more about the benefits of U.S. citizenship.

Average times to obtain American citizenship

Currently, in the Boston, Massachusetts area, naturalization processing can take between 4 to 6 months. For more information and details about the American citizenship and naturalization process in the United States, you can visit our website at www.fitzgeraldlawcompany.com, or you can request an online consultation with one of our immigration attorneys by calling (617) 303-2600 (ext. 0).