NYC Council Wants to Give Non-Citizens the Vote

The New York City Council is drafting legislation to let Non-Citizens vote in New York City's municipal elections, a move that could bolster the clout of recent immigrants in races across the five boroughs.

The policy, if enacted, would make the city one of just eight jurisdictions in the nation, and by far the largest, where U.S. citizenship isn't required to cast a local ballot, according to iVote NYC, a coalition of immigrant advocates and allied groups that supports the change.  “I believe that in a democracy, everybody should participate, and I don't see how you call something a democracy when you don’t give everybody that opportunity to participate,” said Councilman Daniel Dromm, (D-Queens), earlier this month.  He is pushing the latest effort.

Dromm said a bill is being readied and conversations with the mayor's office would begin soon.  The change would cover only New York City residents with legal immigration status.  Current Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan), who backed the effort two years ago as a rank-and-file councilwoman, called for “more inclusive voting” in a major policy speech last month.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has said he did not support past legislation but is open to a “conversation” with proponents.

The council's Republican minority would oppose any such bill, spokesman Peter Spencer said.

The liberal Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that the voter franchise extension could make up to 1 million Non-Citizens eligible to vote, and experts say it could have a profound impact on voter demographics.

"Noncitizen voting would probably enhance the power of Democrats -- not that they particularly need it in this city," said Doug Muzzio, a political scientist at Baruch College.  Registered Democrats already outnumber Republicans 6 to 1.

Enfranchising Non-Citizens could be consequential in at least 20 of the 51 City Council districts, helping primary and general election candidates who appeal to immigrant ethnic groups, said Jerry Skurnik, a political consultant who analyzes voter lists.  "It would probably help a Hispanic candidate in a citywide race," he said.

The last version of the bill called for enfranchising legal immigrants who have lived in New York for at least six months.  It would have permitted them to register in parties and cast ballots in local races including those for mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough president and the council.











NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker Technorati Tag in Del.icio.us