The New York City Council has urged the state’s highest court to nullify two rulings, aiming to open the doors for noncitizen immigrants to participate in city elections.
The controversial election change, approved by the City Council in late 2021 and endorsed into law by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, sought to grant voting rights to 800,000 noncitizens possessing green cards. However, it was deemed unconstitutional and overturned by an appellate court last month.
“Today’s filing to appeal the Second Department’s recent decision seeks a determination from the state’s highest court that the law is consistent with the State Constitution, Election Law, and the Municipal Home Rule Law,” said Rendy Desamours, spokesperson for the City Council.
“Empowering New Yorkers to participate in our local democratic process can only strengthen New York City by increasing civic engagement.”
The council contends that legal noncitizens should have the right to vote since they contribute taxes and play an active role in their communities.
The case will now head to New York’s Court of Appeals.
“In plain English, the New York state constitution says only citizens have a right to vote in these elections,” said Staten Island President Vito Fossella, one of the