NY court to decide whether noncitzens can vote in NYC elections
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NEW YORK - New York's top court is set to review a city law that would allow noncitizens to vote in local New York City elections.
The decision could make an additional 800,000 noncitizens in NYC eligible to register to vote, according to a Politico report.
What we know:
The court will hear arguments on Tuesday regarding the legislation that permits noncitizens to register to vote in New York City's elections.
If upheld, noncitizens could participate in city-level contests, such as mayoral elections.
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Should noncitizens be allowed to vote?
This pending court decision is sparking a debate between proponents who argue for fair representation and opponents who cite constitutional concerns.
Proponents of the law highlight that in some City Council districts, noncitizens make up a significant portion of the adult population and contribute billions in taxes. They argue that these residents should have a voice in local matters affecting their daily lives.
Voters cast their ballots at a polling station during early voting at the Brooklyn Museum in Brooklyn, New York City, U.S., November 1, 2022. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
They also assert that noncitizens contribute significantly in taxes and deserve a say in local governance.
"These New Yorkers pay billions in taxes and yet have no say in local policies on public safety, garbage collection, or housing — all matters that affect their day-to-day lives," attorneys for the city wrote in a filing.
The other side:
The legislation has faced opposition, particularly from Republicans who reference the state constitution's language granting voting rights to "every citizen," according to Fox News.
An appellate court previously sided with Republicans, ruling that noncitizens were intended to be excluded from voting rights.
"It’s hard to discuss because it’s crazy it’s even an issue," state Sen. Andrew Lanza, a Staten Island Republican, told Politico. "Citizens ought to vote; if you’re not a citizen of a country, you should not have a say."
Dig deeper:
The case arises amid challenges faced by Mayor Eric Adams' administration, including managing a large influx of migrants. The city plans to close several migrant shelters, despite opening a new facility, which has raised safety concerns among residents.
What's next:
The court's decision will have significant implications for noncitizen voting rights in New York City. As the legal process unfolds, the debate over representation and constitutional interpretation continues to engage both supporters and opponents of the legislation.
The Source: This article uses reporting from Politico and Fox News.