in the upcoming elections do we get to vote on immigration or not?
361796
California (as well as a few other states) have what is called referendum votes where key issues can be presented to the people depending on how the issue arrived in Congress.  The federal government doesnt have this system.  That is why we have a representative democracy government in the first place.  If you want to speak out on one side of a particular issue - write a letter or e-mail to your rep or senator.  They actually respond back.  I have e-mailed them on a number of occasions and they really do like to hear from their constituents.  Just make sure you are writing something logical and rational or give a personal experience.  Dont say something like "you f*ck*in idiot vote against this stupid f*c*ing bill" or they wont listen.  But they do listen when people write heart felt letters and e-mails stating their opinions.  I have worked with numerous members of our elected government - despite what most people think - they really will listen
28950
should we start voting?
1068531
No votes here, but when there is, I will be voting for anyone of any party who is willing to stand up and defend our borders!  As far as I'm concerned, this issue transcends the usual Dem/GOP lines ... from now on I will vote for the individual who has America's interests at heart ... hard to find, but I'll be looking!
1114791
They don't "get" anything.  And I disagree with the "we have to vote" to change things.  Please.  Let me see here...should I vote for crook #1 or crook #2?  Eh..if you all want to vote them in go ahead.  I was very young when the Ted Kennedy Chappaquiddick thing went on..10 to be exact; and even at that age I could never understand how it was possible that the American public could continue to vote him back into office.  So my position as a 10yr old hasn't changed at all:  that being, EVERYONE should quit voting AT ALL and let the government know that WE, the people are the ones referred to in the Constitution and they damn well better start paying attention to that.\n\nSo now that that is clear...the immigration thing.  Yes they understand and it doesn't matter.  It doesn't matter because the laws that are already in place AT THIS POINT IN TIME are not even recognized or enforced and all they are trying to do is justify the fact that they are allowing immigrants to break THEIR laws on a daily basis just because is financially convenient.  We have a Constitution and it sure would be nice if we started using it again someday. Until then, I would encourage everyone NOT to vote...for anyone or anything.
740158
yes it will, the more people who vote for the candidates who want the illegals out the better the country will be
776202
I don't think so.  If people don't want to vote, why make them?  Will it mean anything if they just pick random people because they don't want to be there?
990743
I agree.  Your family did it the legal and correct way.  We should NOT allow ANY illegal immigrants the opportunity to become legal when they committed a criminal act to get here. We need to write our congressmen and senators (or e-mail them) and let them know how we feel and we need to do it over and over and over until elections.  Everyone needs to study up on who does and does not support illegal immigrant reform and VOTE!!  The ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS actually CAN  VOTE!!
727725
I would recommend that you contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in Australia.  They can probably connect you to someone who can help you (if they can't help you themselves.)  As a U.S. Citizen (even though you're living overseas), you do have the right to vote.  Don't give up too quickly, even when they send you jumping through hoops.\n\nJust out of intrest, were you born in the U.S.?  If so, you DEFINITELY have the right to.  If not, then it's possible that Answerman may be right, but I'm not sure.
944614
Ummm... illegal immigrants can't vote.  And I am hispanic and I wouldn't mind at all if they didn't vote "white" as you put it.  As long as they don't vote republican - its okay with me!
347816
You shouldnt ask people what they are going to vote for, then that would mean that your vote wouldnt be from you. You should vote your yourself, and its not like one vote is going to make the world of difference anyway.
870335
Yes, by all means, VOTE!\n\n(unless you're Republican, of course - JUST KIDDING!).\n\nYou're right, it is a sign of our times, dirty tricks on both sides (some already proven), questionable voting machines ,etc.  But you should vote for two reasons:  \n\nAs an American citizen it is your right and duty to vote.  The only way to ensure our Democracy is for our citizens to exercise their rights under that Democracy, including voting for those who will lead it and shape its policies.\n\nIf you believe that the current Administration is bungling the war in Iraq, or can't handle a disaster like Katrina, or disagree with Bush's assessment that Rumsfeld and Cheney are doing a heck of a job (like "Brownie" did), then you need to vote Democratic to restore a balance of power in Washington.  If you think America is 100% on the right track, and that the President should have almost unlimited power, with a rubber-stamp congress and superceding even the Constitution, you should vote Republican.\n\nEither way, you should vote.  Regardless of who they vote for,  I hope all good citizens do and vote their conscience, not what their party or religious leaders tell them to.
1118936
No. It gives you something to look forward to. Also gives you time to gain knowledge about voting through your schooling.
579116
I vote every chance I get.  Voting is a privilege and should be exercised. I also research the issues beforehand so I am not voting just on the basis of the commercials put out by the candidates.
525476
I am not sure what you mean by a special election; but in order to get a Green Card, you need to follow the procedure of US INS. If you are an illegal alien, you wouldn't have SSN, and how could you pay taxes ? If you have paid, that would not be legal taxes. That's a great opportunity to get Green Card that you don't have  a criminal record. If you have an American family, they can apply for you G. C. by filing I130.\n Good Luck!!!
823261
Amendments huh?  Those are voted on by our elected congress.  They are part of the constitution.  Besides electing people to office, many states have votes on various ballot measures or propositions.\n\nYou should have received a sample ballot by now so long as your voter registration was up to date and recieved by the deadline.  Check with your county clerk or registrar of voters, they will be able to tell you what races and ballot questions you'll get to vote on.
692761
Um, I don't think the timing is relevant, except that some politicians are looking ahead to the November elections, which is pretty much what politicians always do.\n\nBush ran on immigration reform and a guest worker program as part of his election platform: look it up.\n\nThe House passed the Bill saying the border should be secured and illegal immigrants should be made felons in December.  Thereafter there were a bunch of polls that said all majorities were against illegal immigration, but the majority would accept a stronger border with a guest worker program. The Senate put together its Bill outline.  Then came the marches.  THEN this became a hot topic.\n\nThis issue may be one reason Bush's support declined, but it didn't come up as a result of that decline.  I think Bush wants this as part of his legacy, and always has wanted this.
742813
Yes,, you just need to sign your name.. Go vote and get off your computer!! Why would you wait till election day to have this question???