Rihanna, the world-renowned singer, entrepreneur, and fashion icon, has been a topic of interest for many years. However, one aspect of her life that has sparked curiosity is her voting status. As a celebrity with a massive following, it's natural to wonder why Rihanna can't vote. To understand this, we need to delve into the specifics of her citizenship and the voting laws in her home country, Barbados, as well as in the United States, where she has lived and worked for many years.
Key Points
- Rihanna's citizenship status affects her voting eligibility in Barbados and the United States.
- Understanding the voting laws in both countries is crucial to determining why Rihanna can't vote.
- Rihanna's immigration status in the United States has implications for her voting rights.
- Barbados' citizenship laws and Rihanna's eligibility to vote in her home country are also relevant factors.
- The complexities of international voting laws and their impact on celebrities like Rihanna are multifaceted.
Citizenship and Voting Laws: A Complex Web
Rihanna was born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados. As a Barbadian citizen by birth, she is entitled to the rights and privileges afforded to citizens of Barbados, including the right to vote. However, Rihanna’s status as a resident of the United States, where she has lived and worked for many years, complicates her voting eligibility. The United States has strict laws regarding voting by non-citizens, and Rihanna’s immigration status in the country is a critical factor in determining her voting rights.
Immigration Status and Voting Rights in the United States
Rihanna has been a resident of the United States for many years, holding various visas and permits that allow her to work and live in the country. However, as a non-citizen, she is not eligible to vote in federal elections, including presidential elections. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, and doing so can result in severe penalties, including deportation. Rihanna’s immigration status, although not publicly disclosed, is likely that of a lawful permanent resident or a non-immigrant visa holder, which would not grant her voting rights in the United States.
| Country | Citizenship Status | Voting Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Barbados | Citizen by birth | Eligible to vote |
| United States | Non-citizen (likely lawful permanent resident or non-immigrant visa holder) | Not eligible to vote in federal elections |
Barbados’ Citizenship Laws and Voting Eligibility
As a citizen of Barbados, Rihanna is eligible to vote in Barbadian elections. However, the Barbados Electoral and Boundaries Commission requires voters to be resident in Barbados to be eligible to vote. Rihanna’s prolonged absence from Barbados, due to her career and residency in the United States, may affect her eligibility to vote in Barbadian elections. According to the Barbados Constitution, a citizen who has been absent from Barbados for more than five years may be disqualified from voting, unless they have maintained a residence in Barbados or have been employed abroad in the service of the Government of Barbados.
International Voting Laws and Celebrities
The complexities of international voting laws and their impact on celebrities like Rihanna are multifaceted. As a global citizen, Rihanna’s voting eligibility is influenced by the laws of multiple countries. While she may be eligible to vote in Barbados, her non-citizen status in the United States restricts her voting rights in federal elections. This highlights the challenges faced by international celebrities who, despite their global influence, may be disenfranchised due to their immigration status.
Can Rihanna vote in Barbadian elections?
+As a citizen of Barbados, Rihanna is eligible to vote in Barbadian elections, but her prolonged absence from Barbados may affect her eligibility.
Why can't Rihanna vote in US federal elections?
+Rihanna is not a US citizen and, as a non-citizen, she is not eligible to vote in federal elections, according to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
How do international voting laws affect celebrities like Rihanna?
+International voting laws can be complex and may disenfranchise celebrities like Rihanna, who, despite their global influence, may be restricted from voting due to their immigration status.
In conclusion, Rihanna’s voting eligibility is a complex issue, influenced by both her citizenship status and her immigration status in the United States. While she may be eligible to vote in Barbados, her non-citizen status in the United States restricts her voting rights in federal elections. As a global citizen, Rihanna’s story highlights the challenges faced by international celebrities who, despite their global influence, may be disenfranchised due to their immigration status.