New York City’s contentious law permitting noncitizens to vote in local elections has been declared unconstitutional by the New York Court of Appeals, effectively nullifying the measure in a decisive 6-1 ruling on Thursday.
The law, originally passed by the City Council in late 2021, was aimed at allowing approximately 800,000 legal permanent residents, including green card holders, to participate in city elections. However, the court’s ruling emphasized the clear restrictions outlined in the state constitution, which explicitly limits voting rights to U.S. citizens.
“Whatever the future may bring, the New York Constitution as it stands today draws a firm line restricting voting to citizens,” the court’s opinion stated.
The decision represents a significant win for Republicans and other critics of the law, who have long argued that allowing noncitizens to vote undermines the integrity of the electoral process. Opponents contended that the measure was not only legally dubious but also politically motivated, with the potential to dilute the voices of American citizens.
Nick Langworthy, Chairman of the New York State Republican Party, had previously denounced the law, and Thursday’s ruling validated his stance. Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa also weighed in, emphasizing the need to prioritize increasing voter participation among actual citizens rather than extending voting rights to noncitizens.
“With one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country, our city needs to do more to engage working people who feel shut out of the process,” Sliwa said. “Before expanding voting rights to noncitizens, we should focus on ensuring that more New Yorkers feel their voices matter.”
Proponents of the law had contended that legal noncitizens contribute to their communities, pay taxes, and should, therefore, have a say in local governance. They viewed the measure as an inclusive step toward greater civic engagement. However, the court’s ruling has shut down any immediate hope of noncitizen voting in New York City elections, at least under current constitutional parameters.
The ruling puts an end to the legal battle at the state level, leaving supporters with few immediate options beyond attempting a constitutional amendment—an uphill battle in New York’s political landscape.
With this landmark decision, the debate over voting rights in the city is far from over, but for now, the state’s highest court has reaffirmed a fundamental principle: voting in New York remains a right reserved for citizens.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login