Citizenship Status
Our 'Citizenship Status' category addresses the realm of voter issues pertaining to unique citizenship circumstances, with the hope that many other voters will see themselves in these stories and envisage their way forward to the ballot box.
Here you can better understand the issue of eligibility of dual citizens to cast their ballots, the journey from refugee status to voting as a naturalized citizen, how to overcome voting barriers when voting from tribal nations, and more. Each story further clarifies issues surrounding citizenship status and its impact on civic participation.
Listening to voters tell their personal stories about their challenges with citizenship and voting rights gives us new insights. These stories remind us of the diversity of voices that make up our democracy and shape the future of our nation.
Check out Nhi's voter story to appreciate how much she cherishes the right to vote as a naturalized citizen.
As Nhi reflects on how she fled Vietnam on foot through the jungle as a young child without her family, it's hard for the reader to imagine ever complaining about voting being a hassle or inconvenience. Nhi provides an inspiring narrative and sage perspective from her experience as a refugee. With record numbers of displaced people in the world today, Nhi's voter story is quite timely.
Find out what Ela did when she was asked to provide her latitude and longitude in order to continue voting from the Navajo Nation.
Would you know what to do if you received notice that you had to pinpoint your exact location in the geographic coordinate system? Ela not only explains how she handled this requirement, she provides helpful tips for others living on reservations who have challenges voting. Impassable roads and the absence of a street address do not stop Ela - even while she moves about on crutches. Her indomitable personality has made her a favorite Voting Champion at us.vote.
Learn how dual citizens handle voting through Alejandra's voter story.
Did you know you don't have to give up your citizenship in another country to be eligible to vote in the United States if you have dual citizenship? And that you can even be a citizen of not just two countries, but multiple countries, and still vote? Are you aware that you may be able to vote in America as well as another country? Alejandra explains how this works and offers interesting insights about different political systems as well.
Read on to examine different pathways to citizenship and voting. You'll gain an understanding of how citizenship can be a complex identity which makes potential voters all the more appreciative of this most fundamental American right.
All of the voter stories in this category are inspiring, empowering, and informative. If you have a question about voting eligibility and citizenship, or want to share your own voter story related to your citizenship, please reach out to us at the YES Campaign!
Can I Vote if I Have Dual Citizenship?
Alejandra Ponce
People with dual citizenship in the U.S. can vote in U.S. elections. Alejandra shows how to participate in the electoral processes as a citizen of two countries.
Voting as a Citizen of the U.S. and Another Country
Many people in the United States have dual citizenship. The U.S. government does not require people to give up their citizenship in another country if they are concurrently American citizens, nor does it prohibit American citizens from seeking dual citizenship in another nation.
If you maintain dual citizenship in the United States and another country and are otherwise eligible, can you vote in American elections? Yes, you retain your rights as a U.S. citizen to cast a ballot.
Meet Alejandra Ponce - Citizen of the U.S. and Mexico
Alejandra Ponce, economics and international business graduate from the University of California San Diego, has dual citizenship in the United States and Mexico. In her conversation with U.S. Vote Foundation (US Vote), Alejandra discusses how she participates in elections as a citizen of both countries.
US.VOTE
There are many ways a person can come to have dual citizenship in the United States. Some people choose to go through the naturalization process, while others become dual citizens through their parents or place of birth. How did you come to have dual citizenship, Alejandra?
Alejandra Ponce
I consider myself very fortunate to have dual citizenship in two equally beautiful countries. Both of my parents are from Mexico; my mom is from Guanajuato and my dad is from Tijuana.
When they met and started dating in the 90’s, my dad had already obtained his green card and had been working in San Diego for years. Once married, they moved to San Ysidro, and a year later I was born in Chula Vista, California, making me a U.S. citizen by birth and a Mexican citizen through my parents.
US.VOTE
While you were born in the United States, you also lived in Mexico during your childhood. As a child, were you aware of your dual citizenship? Did having roots in both nations help shape your identity?
Alejandra Ponce
I do not think I was ever conscious of my dual citizenship as a kid. After my mom gave birth to me, we moved back to Tijuana so my grandma could help take care of me as a newborn. Hence, I grew up in Tijuana while my dad commuted to work in San Diego. In some sort of way I knew that our family was not “normal” because I would only see my dad some days and other days he was in “el otro lado.”
Towards the end of the 4th grade, my family made the decision of moving back to the U.S. to facilitate work conditions for my dad, to be together as a family, and ultimately to have a better life.
Having roots in both nations has definitely shaped the person that I am today and I would not have it any other way. My childhood in Mexico taught me my core values, while my teenage years and adulthood here in the U.S. have taught me practical values, skills, and have shaped me as a person.
US.VOTE
With both of your parents having been born in Mexico, in a way, you and your parents had inverse journeys. They came to the U.S. from Mexico, while you initially went to Mexico from the U.S. Although you all ended up settling in the United States, do you think the sequencing - coming from Mexico first or coming from the U.S. first - affected your or your parents’ political socialization?
Alejandra Ponce
Neither of my parents have ever been too involved in politics. They view Mexican politics as corrupt and incapable of having a profound positive effect on the country, and are not typically involved in American politics either. I would say they both have their personal opinions on politics, but they ultimately hold themselves neutral towards politics of any kind.
As for me, I would definitely say I’m more involved in U.S. politics compared to Mexico’s. I have to admit that this decision is mostly due to convenience. I am much more conscious of the resources available here in the U.S. and this facilitates my involvement.
US.VOTE
Living in San Diego, you are able to easily travel between California and Mexico with your SENTRI pass. Does the frequency of your travel impact your engagement with electoral processes in either country?
Alejandra Ponce
Although I do visit Tijuana frequently, I do not think my engagement with the Mexican electoral process is influenced. I wish this were different and hope to change it in the future. The only way my involvement with U.S. politics could be affected by my travels to Mexico is if I were to stay for long periods of time or if my internet connection was weak.
US.VOTE
What do you do to stay informed about policies, candidates, and election dates in the U.S. and Mexico? Is it tricky to stay on top of election dates and deadlines? And do you regularly vote in both countries?
Alejandra Ponce
It is much easier to stay on top of U.S. politics because my life is here and my surroundings make me aware of any updates or changes that happen. On the other hand, staying informed with Mexico’s politics involves the additional step of actually researching how to request updates. As far as I know, and by what my mom tells me, the Mexican electoral process is a bit more old-school, which makes paperwork and active involvement complicated.
I do vote in both countries. Voting in Mexico involved a whole process because there were some paperwork issues we had to resolve, but it is 100% worth it.
US.VOTE
Was the process of getting set up to vote in both countries different for you than it would be for someone who does not have dual citizenship?
Alejandra Ponce
I could say that the process was a bit different when it came to voting in Mexico, but I think it was mainly a personal circumstance that implicated extra steps. In order to vote in Mexico you have to have a Mexican ID issued, and when I started the process we noticed there was a mistake in my birth certificate so we had to get that fixed before I could carry on with the process. I am sure that anyone who is a sole citizen would not have to go through additional paperwork like I did.
US.VOTE
In California, you now have mail-in ballots for all elections. Before that option became standard for voting, did you ever need to request an absentee ballot to vote in an American election from Mexico?
Alejandra Ponce
Not really, my time living in Mexico was early on in my childhood when I didn't even know what voting was. My life has been spent here in the U.S. ever since I have been able to vote, and there has been no need for me to request an absentee ballot.
US.VOTE
The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) reports that there are almost 81,000 American citizens living in Mexico. Only six percent of these citizens turned out to vote in 2020. Does that number surprise you?
Alejandra Ponce
I am not necessarily surprised by the large number of American citizens who reside in Mexico, because it is known that Mexico is much more affordable compared to the cost of living in the U.S. This is much more common here in San Diego because of our proximity with Tijuana. People retire and decide to buy land or properties in Rosarito where they’ll be close to the border, the beach, and make a decent living out of their pension.
The fact that only six percent actually vote is unfortunate, but I do believe that this might be because people aren’t aware of absentee ballots.
US.VOTE
You live in the U.S. permanently now, but intend to remain actively involved in Mexican elections as well. Can you share your perspective on why it may be important for people with dual citizenship to stay engaged in elections in both countries?
Alejandra Ponce
I choose to be active in Mexican elections because I want to exercise my right as a Mexican citizen and be part of the shaping of our country. It can be easy to overlook involvement in either election but dual citizens have to realize how fortunate they are to be able to vote in two different countries. It is a luxury that not many have.
US.VOTE
Forbes reports that forty percent of Americans may be eligible for dual citizenship in another country. What insights or suggestions would you share with those who may be interested in exploring this option?
Alejandra Ponce
I would say that being a dual citizen is a privilege, and those who meet the requirements must take advantage and exercise their rights in both countries.
Dual citizenship expands one’s horizons and broadens perspectives, it allows individuals to immerse in different cultures and embrace their richness.
People might overthink it because of any paperwork involved, but you cannot compare a couple visits to a governmental office or whatnot to the lifelong recognition of citizenship in another country.
US.VOTE
Is there anything else you’d like to share about dual citizenship and voting?
Alejandra Ponce
Voting is a luxury that not every individual has. It allows citizens to be part of a country’s faith, and it is a reflection of our ideologies and hopes for the future. Dual citizens are twice as lucky, as we get to use our power in two countries, both completely different and both requiring a diligent thought process. I encourage all dual citizens to make the effort, take that extra step, and participate in both elections. Make your voice heard!
Dual citizens like Alejandra are well served by U.S. Vote Foundation’s Voter Accounts. They can sign up for election reminders and keep track of American election dates and deadlines, even while juggling voting in two countries. Dual citizens can also request absentee ballots if they will be outside of the U.S. at election time.
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