In a historic decision, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that noncitizens are entitled to vote in local municipal elections. This decision secured the ruling of a lower court which declared legal voting rights for these foreign-born citizens within Montpelier’s city limits – an unprecedented move towards extending democratic access and representation across all demographics residing in Vermont.
“The statute allowing noncitizens to vote in local Montpelier elections does not violate Chapter II, § 42 because that constitutional provision does not apply to local elections,” written by the Supreme Court.
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The AP noted further: “In 2021, the Democrat-controlled Vermont Legislature approved two separate bills to change the municipal charters of Montpelier and Winooski, the most diverse community in the state, to allow legal residents who are not U.S. citizens to vote in local elections. Republican Gov. Phil Scott vetoed the measures, but the Legislature overrode his vetoes. The Republican National Committee filed lawsuits against the two Vermont cities asking judges to declare noncitizen voting unconstitutional and lost those challenges. Federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, including races for president, vice president, Senate or House of Representatives.”
Only citizens of the United States may vote in municipal elections, according to a recent ruling by the New York state Supreme Court, protecting the democratic rights of native Americans.
By enabling non-citizens to participate in municipal elections last year, the New York City Council created history. This historic choice provides residents of all backgrounds with an equal chance for representation on a citywide level and is a shining example of democracy in action.
Despite a lawsuit by Republican legislators, the New York Supreme Court recently ruled that non-citizens do not have the right to vote in state elections.
A proposal that would have increased the number of eligible voters on the voting registers by 800,000 would have dramatically increased New Yorkers’ ability to influence municipal elections. These people would be eligible to vote for positions like mayor, public advocate, city council members, borough presidents, and school boards, among others.
The statute was declared to be illegal by Justice Ralph Porzio in a landmark ruling, claiming a contradiction with the New York State Constitution. This decision was a significant turning point in maintaining the law and defending the rights of individuals.
“The New York State Constitution expressly states that citizens meeting the age and residency requirements are entitled to register and vote in elections,” he said.
“Though voting is a right so many citizens take for granted, the City of New York cannot ‘obviate’ the restrictions imposed by the Constitution,” Porzio proceeded by stating that “the weight of the citizens’ vote will be diluted by municipal voters and candidates and political parties alike will need to reconfigure their campaigns.”
Porzio ruled against the legislation, stating: “Though Plaintiffs have not suffered harm today, the harm they will suffer is imminent.”
Councilman Joe Brelli of Staten Island City praised the decision, saying: “Today’s decision validates those of us who can read the plain English words of our state constitution and state statutes: Noncitizen voting in New York is illegal, and shame on those who thought they could skirt the law for political gain. Opposition to this measure was bipartisan and cut across countless neighborhood and ethnic lines, yet progressives chose to ignore both our constitution and public sentiment in order to suit their aims. I commend the court in recognizing reality and reminding New York’s professional protestor class that the rule of law matters.”
Borelli vehemently opposed the law and cited their disagreement as valid justification “someone who has lived here for 30 days will have a say in how we raise our taxes, our debt, and long-term pension liabilities. These are things people who are temporary residents should not have a say in.”
Democrats support lowering the voting age from 18 to 16 in an attempt to increase the number of progressive voters in their party. However, they continue opposing laws granting the same young Americans access to purchase firearms, tobacco products and alcohol.
