The ongoing debate surrounding the rights of non-citizens to vote in local elections has taken a new turn as the New York City Council seeks to reverse recent court decisions that declared a 2021 law unconstitutional.
The law, which would have allowed approximately 800,000 green card holders to participate in municipal elections, was struck down by an appeals court in February.
Rendy Desamours, a spokesperson for the council, emphasized the importance to the left of the legislation, stating, “The Council passed Local Law 11 of 2022 to enfranchise 800,000 New Yorkers who live in our city, pay taxes, and contribute to our communities.”
The communist run council believes that the law aligns with the State Constitution, Election Law, and the Municipal Home Rule Law, and is now appealing to the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, for a definitive ruling.
🚨🚨 Voting Rights For Illegals 🚨🚨
NYC is a Progressive hellscape that hates America!
NYC council asks state Supreme Court to allow non-citizens to vote in local elections https://t.co/wbHSy4JiCV
— Peter McConeghy (@petersthoughts) March 25, 2024
Supporters of the law, such as Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, argue that immigrants play a vital role in the city’s economy and communities, yet many are denied the right to participate in local decision-making. “This case is just one more example of how Republicans are using the courts to disenfranchise Black and Brown voters across the country,” Awawdeh stated.
However, opponents of the law, including U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican representing Staten Island, maintain that the legislation undermines the integrity of the election system and diminishes the voices of citizens.
Malliotakis, who was a plaintiff in the lawsuit that led to the law being struck down, urged the city not to “waste more taxpayer money to join this appeal” and instead focus on addressing quality of life and public safety issues affecting New Yorkers.
The legal challenge comes amidst growing concerns over the influx of asylum seekers in the city, which has strained public resources and drawn attention to crimes involving migrants.
Mayor Eric Adams, who initially supported the law, has not yet commented on the council’s appeal.
Critics argue that allowing non-citizens to vote disenfranchises citizens and is an insane policy not adopted by any other country, while the communists proponents believe it is a necessary first step towards increasing civic engagement and strengthening Democrats control over the city local democracy.
