800,000 noncitizens could soon be voting in New York City’s elections
New York City’s top court is set to deliberate on a controversial city law that would permit noncitizens to register to vote in local elections. The court is scheduled to hear arguments on Tuesday, with Democratic lawyers advocating for the legislation that would grant over 800,000 noncitizens residing in New York City the right to participate in city-level elections, including mayoral races. Supporters of the bill argue that noncitizen residents, who contribute significantly to the city’s economy through taxes, should have a voice in local governance.
“In five City Council districts, non-U.S. citizens make up about a third of the adult population,” city attorneys stated in a filing. “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.”
However, Republicans in the city have strongly opposed the initiative, citing language in the state constitution that explicitly grants voting rights exclusively to citizens. State Senator Andrew Lanza, a Staten Island Republican, expressed disbelief at the notion of allowing noncitizens to vote, asserting that voting rights should be reserved for citizens only.
The legal battle over noncitizen voting rights comes amidst a heated race among Democratic contenders vying to succeed New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The current administration has faced challenges in managing the influx of illegal immigrants, leading to discontent among residents over the handling of migrant accommodations.
In a controversial move, the city recently announced plans to open a massive 2,200-bed shelter for single men in the Bronx, sparking outrage among local residents. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the shelter on community safety, particularly for women. Despite the backlash, the mayor’s office has stated that they intend to close 46 existing migrant shelters across the city and reduce the total shelter bed count by 10,000 by June.
The contentious debate over noncitizen voting rights and migrant shelter policies underscores the complex social and political dynamics at play in New York City. As the legal battle unfolds in court, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the city’s governance and the rights of its diverse population.
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Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. For tips and inquiries, reach out to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or follow on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.
