Every four years, the United States has a presidential election, and every two years, congressional elections occur. On local and state levels, elections and issue voting occur every year. Election Day is, according to the federal government, that day should always fall on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. Being a voter is essential to participating in society, including for those who seek legal representation. We look at some reasons why everyone needs to vote.
Who Is Eligible To Vote?
State rules may vary on who votes. Generally, most American citizens are eligible to vote in federal and state elections if they are U.S. citizens, meet state residency requirements, are registered to vote, and are 18 years old on or before Election Day. Residency requirements include people who are homeless but meet other criteria for voting eligibility. Some states permit 17-year-olds who will be 18 by Election Day to cast votes in primaries.
Who Is Not Eligible To Vote
Not everyone is eligible to vote. People who are not eligible to vote are non-citizens, including permanent legal residents. They cannot vote in federal, state, and local elections. However, some cities and municipalities allow non-citizens to vote for local issues and candidates. U.S. citizens living in U.S. territories cannot vote for president. People who have been convicted of a felony or are serving time for other crimes are not eligible for voting rights but in several states felons or former felons are being restored the eligibility to vote.
Power
When you are eligible to vote, the main reason to vote is that voting is power. Your vote shapes the laws that affect your life. These laws determine the rights you have and how you live your life. Voting gives you the means to influence what laws are made. This power includes having a say in criminal and civil laws affecting you as a citizen and an individual should you need to go to court.
Your Tax Dollars at Work
Everyone pays taxes, but where these tax dollars go and how they are used depends on the leaders we elect and, in many states, the ballot measures we pass. On federal, state, and local levels, the allocation of tax money depends on elected officials making decisions. Voting allows you to have input for how your taxes are spent. For example, if you are a personal injury plaintiff in Hawai’i you would want to have a court to file your lawsuit. Voting makes funding for these courts possible.
Voting for Those Who Can’t
When you vote, you are not only voting for yourself but also for others who cannot vote. Children, for example, can’t vote, yet children are essential for our future. Without investment in children through voting, we don’t invest in the future.
Your Vote Counts
You may think that your vote doesn’t matter. However, a single vote can often determine a race or pass a ballot measure. You are not alone as a voter, but part of like-minded people who can make a difference.
Protect Your Voting Rights
Voting protects your right to vote. When you vote, you vote for candidates and laws that protect your ability and right to vote. You protect your future as a citizen and in the courts with your ability and right to vote,
American democracy is the foundation of our lives and voting makes democracy possible. Our court system is another way to exercise your rights in a democracy. Wayne Parsons Law Office is committed to this ideal of democracy by representing your rights in court. Contact us today for fair representation, whether you’ve been injured by a dangerous product or in some other way in Hawai`i.