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Can Non-Voters Be Summoned for Jury Duty?
Can Non-Voters Be Summoned for Jury Duty?
In my state, acquiring a driver's license triggers a chain of events within the state's complex bureaucracy... one of which is the potential to be called for jury duty. Another consequence is that your voter registration might be updated with your driving address. This can be problematic for in-state college students whose university address differs from their home address. Fortunately, they can opt out of these changes. So, yes, it is possible to be unregistered to vote but still be called for jury duty. Your experience may vary.
State-Specific Jury Duty Practices
In California and many other states, potential jurors are selected from lists that include:
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): This includes individuals with valid California drivers licenses or identification cards with a California address. Voter registration: This encompasses registered voters in the state.Even if you are a licensed driver in California, you could be called to jury duty through this process.
Jurors are selected from a variety of lists, including voting records, tax rolls, and driver's licenses. State practices can vary, so it's wise to check specific state guidelines.
State Requirements for Jury Duty
The process of jury duty selection can differ from one state to another. For example:
My former state in the practice of law had no specific requirement to be a registered voter. The only requirements were to be a resident of the county and 18 years old. In the state of California, I was informed that whether or not you are registered to vote, you can still be summoned for jury duty. If you have a driver's license, you are eligible.It is important to understand that being on the list of those eligible for jury duty is unrelated to voter registration status. Being a registered voter, and having a driver's license, are merely two of the ways from which potential jurors are selected.
Personal Experience and Considerations
Yes, several times in Indianapolis, I've been called for jury duty. The first time, I had a medical excuse due to a recent heart attack. The second time, the case was continued, and the jury pool was dismissed.
Think about how the courts can identify potential jurors if not through voter registration. It’s a multifaceted process that includes various state records and databases.
To Summarize:
Being unregistered to vote does not necessarily mean you cannot be summoned for jury duty. The eligibility process involves various state databases, such as DMV and voter registration. Medical and other circumstances can affect the outcome of jury duty summons.Understanding these nuances can help you navigate the jury duty process more smoothly.