Is William Shatner a US citizen? Actor says he cannot vote in 2024 election and wishes to remain non-political
In a recent statement, legendary actor William Shatner, known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, clarified his citizenship status and political involvement.
On November 4, 2024, Shatner addressed his followers on X, indicating that as the presidential voting session approaches, he cannot cast his vote since he is a Canadian national residing in the United States.
"A gentle reminder as we go into Tuesday. I am not political. I cannot vote. I am a Candian citizen living in the US," Shatner wrote.
William Shatner also expressed his appreciation for people who participate in voting. However, he requested that any responses directed at him remain free of political content.
He included this message alongside a GIF featuring the Canadian flag and the phrase "I cannot vote" displayed in multiple languages.
According to Yahoo Finance reports 2019, 25 American icons who are not American citizens were mentioned, and William Shatner was also named. Shatner is not a US citizen and was born in Quebec, Canada.
William Shatner has clarified his citizenship status throughout the years
This is not the first time that William Shatner has talked about his citizenship and being Canadian. In 2022, a user on X replied to Shatner's tweet, suggesting he lacks trust in the government. The X user pointed at Shatner, suggesting a disillusionment with the political system, regardless of party affiliation. As a response, the actor indicated that he is not a "US citizen."
"It's not OUR government. I'm not a US Citizen. Now shoo!," Shatner wrote.
According to Complex, in 2023, William Shatner shared a story with the audience of the SXSW to join a conversation led by Alamo Drafthouse co-founder Tim League about his Canadian passport.
Shatner indicated that while traveling, a customs agent was shocked to see that Shatner still had Canadian nationality.
"I still have my Canadian passport. "Oh my god, you're still Canadian! Custom said," Shatner narrated.
According to CTV News, Shatner shared a similar experience during a phone interview. In the interview, the actor suggested that he "loves" going through the customs in the United States as they give a shocking reaction that he is still Canadian.
"I love to go through customs between Canada and America because the Canadian customs officers always look at my passport and say, without exception, 'I didn't know you were Canadian,"' Shatner said.
Shatner further indicated that he has a green card, which lets him live and work in the US. However, he still feels nervous and insecure about their status. He added that he worries that, just like with others who have green cards, there’s a risk that the US government might change rules or create new restrictions — specifically targeting Canadians with green cards.
As the US presidential election continues today, residents nationwide are eager to see which candidate, Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, will emerge victorious.