New York Court Blocks Noncitizen Voting Law
The New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest judicial authority, ruled on Thursday to block a law that would have permitted noncitizens to vote in local elections. This decision overturns a law passed in 2021 by the New York City Council, which aimed to allow nearly one million noncitizens, including residents from various backgrounds, to participate in municipal voting, specifically for positions such as mayor and city council.
Background of the Law
Supporters of the law argued that while New York’s Constitution specifies the qualifications for voters, it does not explicitly prohibit noncitizens from voting. They maintained that the constitution guarantees voting rights for citizens but does not deny these rights to others.
Judicial Ruling
In a decisive near-unanimous ruling with a 6-1 vote, Chief Judge Rowan Wilson articulated that the New York Constitution distinctly limits voting eligibility to citizens. Wilson emphasized that accepting the appellants’ reasoning could open the door to municipalities enabling any individual, including minors, to vote. He clarified, “the franchise extends only to citizens whose right to vote is established by proper proofs.”
Reactions to the Decision
Joe Borelli, a former New York City councilman and one of the case’s plaintiffs, expressed that the ruling validated the clarity of the law, noting, “This has always been an open and shut case, and it’s embarrassing that the city council fought so hard to skirt the law, undermine the Constitution, and weaken the votes of citizens.”
Conversely, Associate Judge Jenny Rivera stood as the sole dissenting voice in the ruling, highlighting a divergence of opinion within the court regarding the law’s implications.
Demographics and Voting Rights
According to filings by city attorneys, non-U.S. citizens constitute approximately one-third of the adult population in New York City, raising significant discussions around inclusion and representation in local governance.
New York’s highest court decided to block a law facilitating noncitizen voting in local elections.
Conclusion
The ruling affirms the legal interpretation of voter eligibility in New York, with significant implications for the participation of noncitizens in local governance. As New York continues to grapple with complex immigration and voting rights issues, the court’s decision adds another layer to the ongoing national conversation about voting accessibility and the rights of noncitizens.
