NYC Non-Citizen Voting Rights Blocked by State's Top Court

<img src="https://bdc2020.o0bc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Noncitizen_Voters_NYC_Lawsuit_83796-67dc4860c8041-768x432.jpg" alt="Poll workers directing voters">

New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals, has decisively rejected a 2022 law that would have allowed non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. The 6-1 ruling stated that the state's constitution limits voting rights to citizens.

Key Players and Reactions

Republicans celebrated the decision, viewing it as a victory against what they termed “radical Democrats.” NYGOP Chair Ed Cox called the effort to permit non-citizen voting a misguided attempt by the city council. The city council, however, expressed disappointment but respected the court's decision. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams highlighted the aim to increase civic engagement among non-citizen residents. Mayor Eric Adams, while not directly involved in the bill's passage, respected the court's ruling.

The Law and its Potential Impact

The law, which was never implemented, would have granted voting rights in local elections (mayor, city council, etc.) to an estimated 800,000 non-citizens with legal permanent residency or work authorization. This would not have included federal or state elections.

National Context

While New York's ruling is significant, it's worth noting that some other locations (Maryland, Vermont towns, Washington D.C., and San Francisco in limited cases) already allow non-citizen participation in local elections. Conversely, other states explicitly forbid such practices.

Constitutional Arguments

The core of the legal dispute centered on the interpretation of the New York State Constitution's clause stating that “every citizen shall be entitled to vote.” New York City argued that this didn't exclude non-citizens from participating in local elections, asserting a right to self-governance. The opposing argument was that the state constitution clearly restricts voting rights solely to citizens.

The Aftermath

The ruling brings to a close the legal battle and marks a significant defeat for those advocating for expanded voting rights for non-citizens in New York City.