NYC Looking At Allowing Non-Citizens To Vote

A push to allow Non-U.S. Citizens, to Vote in New York City Local Elections, is gaining steam, going before the City Council for a Hearing yesterday.

The Bill, would let Legal Permanent Residents and Immigrants authorized to Work and Pay Taxes, Cast Ballots for Mayor and other City Offices.

This could Expand the City’s Eligible Electorate by nearly a Million People.

The Legislation has the Support of 34 Council Members, a clear Majority, and could be put up for a Vote in the coming weeks.

The biggest Obstacle is Term Limited Mayor Bill de Blasio (D), who has Legal and Philosophical Problems with the Bill. “I don't believe it is legal,” he said Friday, arguing that State Law governs who is Eligible to Vote.

He also says he has “mixed feelings” on the Issue personally, since he wants to encourage Immigrants to pursue Full Citizenship.

De Blasio has Not Vetoed a Single Bill, in his Two Terms as Mayor, but with 100-odd days Left in Office, there’s still time for Firsts.

Whatever happens in the next Three months, the Proposal may fare better, if Democratic Nominee Eric Adams becomes Mayor in the new year.

Adams is throwing his Full Support behind the Measure, saying in Testimony submitted to the Council: “Expanding the right to vote to people who live here, work here, raise families here, and collectively pay billions of dollars in taxes here should not be controversial.”

If passed, this will change the City's Charter. Then comes how the Courts determines how the State Constitution is the controlling Authority.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker