Should military members who are out of state and not paying taxes still be able to vote in that state?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:46:06 -0400

If someone is stationed out of state and their state does not tax their income should they be able to vote? If they are not around and not contributing funds should they be allowed to vote for representatives that determine how to spent taxpayers money?

Disclaimer: I am not suggesting not allowing them to vote for federal elections. Or suggesting to take away their rights. Just curious of everyone's thoughts on this. I personally do not pay local or state taxes and I do vote in elections.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 9:58 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:58:06 -0400

Yes. You are in service to those citizens of your state, protecting them as you are for all states. You still are affiliated with a state of record, so you should still retain voting rights for local elections.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 10 at 2015 10:33 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 22:33:15 -0400

Yes if it's their home of record.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 11:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 23:22:53 -0400

I see it as a benefit that comes with serving... The state can live without my petty pocket change, and they surely can afford me the right to vote!

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Aug 10 at 2015 11:51 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 23:51:42 -0400

Very strongly yes. Also, their absentee ballots should always be counted. Some states were not counting absentee ballots unless the number would effect the outcome. I find this to be very much outside the spirit of exercising our right to vote.
edit to include***
Also, Service Members do pay taxes in their home state according to the laws of their state.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 12:42 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 00:42:56 -0400

I never thought about this really. I am out of state and not paying state income tax. However I am a resident of Washington, which doesn't have a state tax.

It's a very interesting conversation to have and does bring up the question about whether voting in general should be contingent on paying taxes. People with 0 income are allowed to vote, so my though on that is no.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Aug 11 at 2015 10:33 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 10:33:04 -0400

The 24th Amendment covers this. Payment of taxes can not be used to define one's ability to vote.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 12:55 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 12:55:28 -0400

Pennsylvania and some other states do not have servicemember pay taxes. Some are contingent on not serving in that state.