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New York’s top court will review a city law allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections.
Democrats support the measure, which could grant 800,000 noncitizens voting rights in mayoral and city races. Supporters argue noncitizens are unfairly taxed without representation.
“In five City Council districts, non-U.S. citizens make up about a third of the adult population,” city attorneys wrote in a filing. “These New Yorkers pay billions in taxes and yet have no say in local policies on public safety, garbage collection, or housing — all matters that affect their day-to-day lives.”
Republicans oppose the law, citing the state constitution’s language granting voting rights to “every citizen.” A 3-1 appellate court ruling last year sided with Republicans, stating noncitizens were clearly meant to be excluded from voting rights.
New York’s state constitution directly states: “Every citizen shall be entitled to vote at every election for all officers elected by the people and upon all questions submitted to the vote of the people.”
“It’s hard to discuss because it’s crazy it’s even an issue,” state Sen. Andrew Lanza, a Staten Island Republican, told Politico. “Citizens ought to vote; if you’re not a citizen of a country, you should not have a say.”
Meanwhile, residents are outraged over a 2,200-man migrant shelter opening in their neighborhood, fearing safety risks. Mayor Eric Adams’ office announced plans to close 46 shelters and cut 10,000 beds by June, despite opening this facility. The Brooklyn Hall Street shelter, housing 3,500 migrants, is among those closing.
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