New York City Mayor Eric Adams has said that he supports a new law that went into effect Sunday allowing thousands of noncitizens residing in the city to be able to vote in elections.
Adams, who “initially had some concerns” over the legislation, said in a statement released on Saturday that he views the bill being passed as the “best choice.” The new law allows over 800,000 legal noncitizens to be allowed to vote in local elections, the Associated Press reported.
“I believe that New Yorkers should have a say in their government, which is why I have and will continue to support this important legislation,” Adams said in his statement.
RAFFENSPERGER CONTINUES PUSH FOR NONCITIZEN VOTING BAN VIA GEORGIA CONSTITUTION
“I believe allowing the legislation to be enacted is by far the best choice, and look forward to bringing millions more into the democratic process,” Adams said.
The New York City Council passed a bill on Dec. 9 called “Our City, Our Vote” in a 33-14 vote, even amid skepticism from former Mayor Bill de Blasio and several Republicans on the council. State Republicans held a press conference on Dec. 3 and threatened to take action against the legislation in order to prevent it from becoming law.
“This is perhaps the worst idea out of New York City Democrats ever, and that’s really saying something,” said New York Republican Party Chairman Nick Langworthy. “This radical legislation is unconstitutional, un-American and downright dangerous. This not only will undermine the credibility of local city elections but will undoubtedly interfere with the integrity of state and national elections across New York State.”
Under the legislation, legal noncitizens of the U.S. who have resided in the city for at least 30 days will be qualified to vote. This allows people such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) holders, green card holders, and those with work permits to vote in elections.
“We build a stronger democracy when we include the voices of immigrants,” Ydanis Rodriguez, a former member of the City Council who led the movement to fight for the legislation to be approved, wrote in a post on Twitter.
…¡Construimos una democracia más fuerte cuando incluimos las voces de los inmigrantes! pic.twitter.com/OYKkVOq0e8
— Ydanis Rodriguez (@ydanis) January 9, 2022
While noncitizens would be allowed to vote in elections for positions such as the mayor’s office, members of the city council, borough presidents, and comptroller, they would not be allowed to vote in state or national elections for positions such as president, members of Congress, governor, or even judges and other legislative positions, according to the AP.
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Several cities in Maryland, such as Hyattsville, Takoma Park, Glen Echo, and Garrett Park, have extended voting rights to noncitizens in recent years, the Washington Post reported.
Cities and states throughout the U.S., including Washington, D.C., and Illinois, are considering passing legislation to give noncitizens the right to cast their ballots in elections.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Eric Adams for a statement but did not receive a response.
