Thursday, 18 Apr 2024

Meghan Markle vote: Can Meghan Markle vote in the US election?

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Meghan Markle has often been vocal about the importance of voting in elections. During a visit to New Zealand in 2018, the Duchess of Sussex delivered a speech about women’s suffrage in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in the island nation. She said: “Women’s suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness.

“Suffrage is not simply about the right to vote, but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future and that of your community.”

Typically, members of the Royal Family do not vote in a bid to stay neutral, despite there being no law against it.

The Royal Family’s website states: “As head of state, the Queen has to remain strictly neutral with respect to political matters.

“By convention, the Queen does not vote or stand for election, however, Her Majesty does have important ceremonial and formal roles in relation to the Government of the UK.”

Can Meghan Markle vote in the US election?

In short, yes. Meghan Markle will be able to vote in this year’s upcoming presidential election, as she continues to be a citizen of the United States.

In addition, the Duchess has revealed she plans on voting in the November election which will decide who sits in the White House.

In an interview with Marie Claire, the Duchess opened up about her reasons for exercising her right to vote.

The 39-year-old Duchess said: “I know what it’s like to have a voice, and also what it’s like to feel voiceless.

“I also know that so many men and women have put their lives on the line for us to be heard.

“And that opportunity, that fundamental right, is in our ability to exercise our right to vote and make all of our voices heard.”

The Duchess also shared one of her favourite quotes from Kate Sheppard, a suffragette from New Zealand, which she said she and Prince Harry have “referred to often”.

She said: “One of my favourite quotes, and one that my husband and I have referred to often, is from Kate Sheppard, a leader in the suffragist movement in New Zealand.

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“She said: ‘Do not think your single vote does not matter much. The rain that refreshes the parched ground is made up of single drops.’”

Meghan added: “That is why I vote.”

The Duchess’s decision to vote in the US election will come as no surprise to those who know her best.

It was revealed in January this year that Meghan aimed to become more “politically engaged” after she and Prince Harry stepped down as senior royals.

At the time, an insider said Meghan had grown “frustrated” by the fact she was not able to actively involve herself in politics while a member of the monarchy.

It was said she wanted to “take advantage” of the freedom to share her opinions with the world.

A source told the MailOnline: “The Duchess is said to be frustrated that she was forced to stay out of politics after getting engaged to Harry.

“She has strong political opinions and will now take advantage of the greater freedom she has to express them publicly.”

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