Noncitizen Voting Law Faces Setback in New York Court Ruling

Noncitizen Voting Law Faces Setback in New York Court Ruling

(PatriotNews.net) – Curtains fall on NYC’s attempt to let noncitizens vote as the state’s top court strikes down Local Law 11, citing constitutional overreach.

At a Glance

  • New York Court of Appeals declared the noncitizen voting law unconstitutional.
  • The decision aligned with state constitutional provisions reserving voting rights for citizens.
  • Approximately 800,000 noncitizens were eligible under the now-defunct law.
  • The case emphasizes constitutional limitations over local legislative ambitions.

Legal Reversal

The New York Court of Appeals has ruled against New York City’s Local Law 11, which would have allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections. With a decisive 6-1 decision, the court stated the law “violates the New York State Constitution,” emphasizing that voting rights under state provisions are exclusively for citizens. This outcome is a significant setback for advocates of broader electoral inclusivity in New York City’s local governance.

Local Law 11, known as “Our City Our Vote,” would have enabled noncitizens possessing green cards, work authorizations, and DACA status to participate in electoral processes. Approximately 800,000 noncitizens stood to gain the right to vote for offices like the mayor and City Council—a move passed by the NYC Council in 2021 and enacted in early 2022. However, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella and other Republicans heralded the court’s decision as a victory, prioritizing the “sanctity and security of our franchise — the right to vote as American citizens.”

Significance of the Ruling

As supporters of the law argued for noncitizen voting rights based on tax contributions and community involvement, opponents maintained that constitutional constraints are unequivocal. “Whatever the future may bring, the New York Constitution as it stands today draws a firm line restricting voting to citizens,” confirmed the court, highlighting the legal framework as the pivotal reference point for civic duties and rights.

This is a victory for common sense, and the sanctity and security of our franchise — the right to vote as American citizens. We are pleased that this matter can finally be put to rest, once and for all. – Vito Fossella

Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa addressed the low voter turnout rampant among eligible voters in New York City, insisting that “our city needs to do more to engage working people who feel shut out of the process.” His stance draws attention to the importance of first ensuring citizens recognize their voice’s value in the political process before contemplating voting rights expansion.

Looking Forward

This judgment delivers a clear message to local legislators: constitutional parameters must guide legal structures and processes. Irrespective of a city’s demographics, such factors should not supersede the legal limits established at the state or federal level. Sir, Sliwa contemplates, “Before expanding voting rights to noncitizens, we should focus on ensuring that more New Yorkers feel their voices matter.” Ensuring constitutional fidelity remains a cornerstone of conservative governance and is undeniably an essential caution for other municipalities considering similar legislation.

Before expanding voting rights to noncitizens, we should focus on ensuring that more New Yorkers feel their voices matter. Too many hardworking people in this city have given up on politics because they believe the system doesn’t work for them. – Curtis Sliwa

In conclusion, while the discourse around noncitizen voting remains contentious, this decision emphasizes the need to respect and adhere to constitutional boundaries. It underscores the balance between embracing diversity and preserving the fundamental rights of citizenship and why such careful examination is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our democratic processes.

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