 What is the New York Coalition to Expand Voting Rights? The New York Coalition to Expand Voting Rights is a broad and growing coalition of individuals and organizations working to enact city legislation that will give immigrants the right to vote in municipal elections. What do you mean by “resident”? Who will benefit from this campaign? All documented New York City residents of voting age would be granted the right to vote by this legislation without regard to citizenship status. Allowing immigrants greater civic and political engagement would better ensure that elected officials in New York City represent the needs of ALL of their constituents. All New Yorkers would benefit from a more representative City government. Is resident voting unconstitutional? There is nothing in either the U.S. or the New York State Constitution that prevents us from extending the franchise to non-citizen residents. Is resident voting administratively possible? In parts of Maryland residents already vote in local elections. Legislatures in San Francisco and Washington, DC are considering similar measures. We know that it can be done cheaply and easily here in New York City because everyone with a child in the public school system could vote in school board elections before school boards were disbanded in 2003.
Isn’t there already legislation in New York City Council? Yes. The Voting Rights Restoration Act (Intro. 245) was submitted to the City Council on April 5, 2006 by Council Member Charles Barron. The legislation has a number of co-sponsors and supporters in City Hall and broad support.
Is resident voting politically possible? Yes. A significant number of New York City Council Members support resident voting rights. The Coalition represents a large number of organizations, including several unions, which together represent hundreds of thousands of New York City residents. With a broad coalition movement we can be successful!
If immigrants get the right to vote, would they still be motivated to become citizens? There are many reasons that individuals seek citizenship. Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, be granted a U.S. passport, or be eligible for certain government benefits. In fact, politically engaged immigrants who have the right to vote will be more likely to seek citizenship. How can I, or my organization, get involved? To endorse the campaign to expand voting rights, or to get involved with this issue, please contact the Center of Cultures. |
