As millions of Iranians prepare to cast their ballots in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iranian-Americans in the U.S. are also turning out in record numbers to vote. In order to vote, Iranian citizens living in the U.S. must be over the age of 18 and have a valid Iranian passport. “I am passionate about voting because of my bloodline,” said 26-year-old Shahdad Kelishadi, cousin of the former prime minister of Iran, the late Dr. Shahpur Bakhtiyar. “Even though I am not in Iran, my heart never left Iran, and it is my duty to help Iranians in any way possible if it will bring positive results to the country,” added Kelishadi. From New York to California, there are 41 designated voting locations in cities across the country where Iranians citizens can cast their absentee ballots and participate in this democratic process.
