Noncitizens' Voting Impact in Local Elections
- A city with a moderate population can turn into a new focal point of liberal discussions post-election.
- Local voting rights for noncitizens spark interest and debate among residents.
- Potential changes in a typically non-liberal city could reflect broader political shifts.
Santa Ana, California, is preparing for a significant ballot measure on November 5 that will determine whether noncitizens can participate in municipal elections. Advocates for the measure argue that allowing noncitizens to vote is essential for equity, as many contribute to the community through taxes and should have a voice in local governance. This measure will coincide with the presidential election and various downballot contests in a state known for its Democratic leanings. Opponents of the measure, including local residents and national organizations, argue that voting should be reserved for U.S. citizens. Jack Tomczak, vice president of outreach for Americans for Citizen Voting, emphasized that those wishing to vote should pursue citizenship. Currently, noncitizen voting is permitted in several jurisdictions, including 11 cities in Maryland and Chicago for school board elections, but there are efforts to restrict these rights further. Supporters of noncitizen voting, like political science professor Ron Hayduk, contend that historical practices of "alien suffrage" were intended to promote citizenship and immigrant integration. Hayduk argues that the idea of allowing noncitizens to vote aligns with democratic principles and has a longer historical precedent than the current push to limit voting rights. In a related development, Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at overturning a D.C. law that permits noncitizen voting in local elections, reinforcing the ongoing national debate over voting rights and citizenship.