New York City Might Allow Noncitizens To Vote

New York City is looking to change its local elections following Election Day 2021. The “Our City, Our Vote” bill would make New York City the largest municipality in the U.S. to welcome noncitizens to participate in local elections. Already, the proposed legislation is expected to be approved by the City Council on Dec. 9.

“Immigrants have always been vital to the city, and during Covid, they risked their lives to keep the city moving. This comes down to nook-and-cranny issues like trash and how the budget is spent. These are things our community members have strong opinions about.”

Murad Awawdeh, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition

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According to “Our City, Our Vote’s” website, the legislative move hopes to expand democracy in NYC, making it possible for green card holders and those authorized to work in the United States to vote in elections for city-level offices. In addition, noncitizens will have the right to vote as long as they have been a city resident for at least 30 days. And Corey Johnson, the speaker of the City Council, says that by giving immigrants a “voice in our local elections,” we will see NYC add to its “resounding national movement.” These 800,000 would have a say in local elected offices such as mayor, city council, comptroller, and public advocate.

Is it legal?

The big question throughout the bill’s development has been, “Is it legal?” The city council’s legal staff said NYC’s “Our City, Our Vote” bill doesn’t break any laws. It has been in the works for almost two years, as part of the city’s push to include its many legal permanent residents in elections. However, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the new law “has to be decided at state level, according to state law,” during an appearance on WNYC’s Brian Lehrer show. And other states have differing views. Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and North Dakota have all passed laws saying only citizens can vote.

What happens if it passes?

If the legislation passes (as largely expected), the New York City Board of Elections will issue a separate voter registration form for green card holders and other noncitizens who have the right to work. And meanwhile, at the polls, noncitizen voters would fill out a ballot that would only offer New York City offices on it. In response to this bill, de Blasio said he has “mixed feelings” about it because he fears that allowing the noncitizens to vote might remove the incentive for people to become full citizens.