Court declares NYC law allowing noncitizens to vote unconstitutional
Court Strikes Down NYC Law Allowing Noncitizens to Vote
In a major victory for election integrity, a New York state appellate court has declared unconstitutional a law in New York City that would have granted voting rights to over 800,000 noncitizens in municipal elections.
“We determine that this local law was enacted in violation of the New York State Constitution and Municipal Home Rule Law, and thus, must be declared null and void,” wrote Justice Paul Wooten of the 2nd Judicial Department in the 3-1 majority opinion.
The ruling upholds a previous decision by a lower court, which struck down the controversial law that aimed to create a new class of voters consisting of non-U.S. citizens.
This landmark ruling has been celebrated by election integrity advocates across the country, including the Public Interest Legal Foundation, which has filed a federal lawsuit against the New York City Board of Elections, alleging that the law violated the 15th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
According to the lawsuit, the law would have significantly increased the pool of eligible voters and potentially diluted the votes of U.S. citizens.
Background of the Law
In December 2021, the New York City government passed a bill allowing noncitizens who are lawful permanent residents or authorized to work in the United States to vote in municipal elections. The bill was submitted to former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who took no action on it, and the new Mayor Eric Adams also ignored it, allowing it to become law.
However, the law faced immediate legal challenges from 16 New York City voters and the Republican National Committee.
The lawsuit argued that the law would weaken the voting strength of black Americans in the city and cited statements by the bill’s sponsor, Ydanis Rodriguez, as evidence of racially motivated intentions.
The ongoing lawsuit by the Public Interest Legal Foundation asserts that the law violated both New York state laws and the U.S. Constitution.
This ruling sets an important precedent in the fight against noncitizen voting and foreign interference in American elections. It reaffirms the principle that American elections should be decided by American citizens.
Noncitizen Voting Laws in Other Places
New York City is not the only place where noncitizen voting laws have been proposed. Washington D.C. has a similar law that is currently being challenged in court. The Republican-controlled U.S. House passed a resolution to overturn the D.C. law, but it was blocked by the Democrat-controlled Senate.
Leftists in Vermont, Maryland, California, and other states have also pushed for similar measures.
Why does the organization argue that allowing noncitizens to vote undermines the principle of citizenship and poses a threat to the security and legitimacy of elections?
Been at the forefront of the fight to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. The organization, among others, has argued that allowing noncitizens to vote not only undermines the principle of citizenship but also poses a significant threat to the security and legitimacy of elections.
While proponents of the law argue that it is a step towards inclusivity and engaging a diverse population in the democratic process, critics contend that it overlooks the fundamental idea that voting is a privilege and responsibility bestowed upon citizens who have invested in the society they wish to shape.
The court’s decision to strike down the law is grounded in the principles of constitutional and municipal legality. Justice Paul Wooten’s opinion highlights that the law violated both the New York State Constitution and the Municipal Home Rule Law, calling for it to be declared null and void. This verdict reinforces the notion that laws must be consistent with established legal frameworks and adhere to the democratic values upon which our society is built.
Allowing noncitizens to vote in municipal elections would not only have set a dangerous precedent but also blurred the lines of eligibility for participation in the democratic process. By limiting voting rights to citizens, society ensures that those who have a stake in the country’s present and future have a say in shaping it. This principle, rooted in the concept of national sovereignty, has been affirmed time and again throughout history.
The court’s ruling has garnered widespread acclaim from those who argue for the sanctity of citizenship and fair representation. By upholding the integrity of the electoral process, this decision prevents the dilution of citizens’ voices and ensures that election outcomes reflect the will of the people who are truly vested in the future of their communities.
It is important to note that this ruling does not undermine the goal of inclusivity or the desire to engage all members of society in the democratic process. Rather, it emphasizes the significance of the citizenship bond as the foundation on which our democracy rests. It calls for civic organizations, policymakers, and community leaders to find alternative ways to empower noncitizens and involve them in decision-making processes that are consistent with our legal principles.
In conclusion, the New York state appellate court’s decision to strike down the law allowing noncitizens to vote in municipal elections is a significant victory for election integrity. It preserves the principle that voting is a privilege of citizenship and upholds the values upon which our democracy is built. While inclusivity and engagement of all members of society remain important goals, it is crucial to find avenues that are consistent with legal frameworks to ensure the sanctity and security of our elections.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
