New York Court Rules Law Allowing Non-Citizens to Vote in Local Elections Unconstitutional

A New York state appeals court has deemed unconstitutional a local law that would have permitted non-citizens to vote in New York City's local elections. 

The ruling marks a victory for Republican officials who had sued to prevent the law from taking effect. Mayor Eric Adams' administration has been defending the law and appealed a lower court's ruling against it. The law, which was set to go into effect in 2022, sought to extend voting rights to green card holders and other individuals with federal work authorization. 

However, opponents, mainly Republicans, argued that it would lead to logistical challenges and potential voter fraud. The appeals court sided with the plaintiffs, agreeing that the New York State Constitution exclusively entitles voting rights to U.S. citizens and that changes to election laws should be decided by voter referendum rather than a local legislature. Non-citizen voting remains rare in the United States, with some jurisdictions making limited inroads, despite facing legal challenges.

Legal Challenge and Ruling

The legal battle centered on the constitutionality of the local law that aimed to allow non-citizens to participate in New York City's local elections. Republican officials were vocal in their opposition, sparking a lawsuit to prevent the law from being implemented. The appeals court's ruling in favor of the Republican officials has put an end to the legal battle, deeming the law unconstitutional according to the principles outlined in the New York State Constitution.