Adams Signals Plan To OK “Our City, Our Vote” Legislation, Giving Non Citizens The Right to Vote

by CrownHeights.info

Newly instated New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signaled his plan to sign city legislation that would allow non citizens the right to vote in local elections.

“I believe that New Yorkers should have a say in their government, which is why I have and will continue to support this important legislation,” Adams said. “While I initially had some concerns about one aspect of the bill, I had a productive dialogue with my colleagues in government that put those concerns at ease.”

Under the new legislation, any New Yorker who is a lawful permanent resident or authorized to work in the United States, who has been a resident of New York City for at least 30 consecutive days, and who meets all the qualifications for registering to vote under the Election Law other than U.S. citizenship, would be eligible to register to vote as a “municipal voter.” Registered municipal voters would be entitled to vote in any primary, special, general, or run-off election for Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, Borough President, or Council Member, as well as on any local ballot initiative.

“I believe allowing the legislation to be enacted is by far the best choice, and look forward to bringing millions more into the democratic process,” Adams said.

An estimated one million non-citizen New Yorkers are believed to fall under this category.