New York’s Court of Appeals delivered a major ruling against a controversial law that would have allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections. The court overturned the measure, declaring it unconstitutional and affirming that voting rights in New York remain reserved for U.S. citizens.
The law, passed by the New York City Council in 2021, aimed to grant more than 800,000 noncitizen residents the right to vote in municipal elections, including mayoral, city council, and other local races. Supporters argued that legal immigrants who live and work in the city should have a voice in decisions that impact their communities.
However, the state’s highest court determined that the measure violated the New York State Constitution, which explicitly limits voting to citizens. The justices ruled that only a constitutional amendment could expand voting rights to noncitizens, rendering the city’s law invalid.
Opponents of the law welcomed the decision, citing concerns over election integrity and the dilution of citizenship. They argued that allowing noncitizens to participate in elections would undermine the democratic process and set a dangerous precedent.
The ruling effectively halts any plans to register noncitizens as voters in upcoming local elections. City officials have not yet announced whether they intend to pursue further legal action or attempt a constitutional amendment to revisit the issue.