Boston may allow immigrants with ‘legal status’ to vote in local elections
The Boston City Council Considers Allowing Noncitizen Immigrants to Vote in Local Elections
The Boston City Council is currently deliberating a new resolution that could grant noncitizen immigrants with “legal status” the right to vote in local elections. This proposal follows a similar resolution already in effect in Takoma Park, Maryland.
Councilwoman Kendra Lara introduced the resolution on Tuesday, receiving support from immigration advocates. The Boston Herald reports that the council and city election officials are now engaged in a debate regarding this matter.
“We have people who, despite not being given a voice in their local government through the ballot, have worked, sacrificed, and invested in their neighborhoods, and all people should have a say in the decisions that impact their daily lives,” expressed Lara during the council meeting.
Takoma Park, a much smaller city than Boston, has already implemented a similar policy change. According to Takoma Park City Clerk Jessie Carpenter, hundreds of registered noncitizen voters participate in local elections without being questioned about their immigration status. They only need to provide proof of residency and legal identification. The city maintains a record of these voters through an Excel spreadsheet, updating it when eligible noncitizens relocate.
Elections Commissioner Eneida Tavares raised concerns about the size difference between the cities, as it poses a challenge for managing a spreadsheet like the one used in Takoma Park. Tavares suggested utilizing the secretary of state’s database as a more efficient solution, consolidating all voter information in one place.
“Our preferred method would be to use the secretary of state’s database because it’s just one place where we can house everything,” Tavares explained. “It’s easier to update voting, voter information, give voter history to voters, and everything of that nature.”
During the council meeting, other members expressed concerns that noncitizens might accidentally vote in state or federal elections, which is illegal and could jeopardize their pathway to citizenship.
“If they’re on a pathway to citizenship, you didn’t want a mistake to happen that would put that in jeopardy because the federal government has a big black-and-white, all-or-nothing approach to these things,” warned Councilwoman Liz Breadon.
This development occurs amidst a significant influx of illegal immigrants entering the United States through the southern border, causing challenges for both the city and state. Liberal “sanctuary” cities have seen a surge in thousands of immigrants in recent months. In response, Governor Maura Healey (D-MA) has declared a “state of emergency” due to the strain on the state’s housing system and has even activated the National Guard to assist with the crisis.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
What are the concerns raised by those who oppose the resolution of granting noncitizen immigrants the right to vote in local elections?
Icipated in local elections since the policy was put into effect in 1992. This demonstrates that allowing noncitizen immigrants to vote in local elections is not an unprecedented move, and that it can be successfully implemented without compromising the democratic process.
Proponents of this resolution argue that noncitizen immigrants are active members of their communities and should therefore have a voice in local decision-making processes. They argue that many noncitizen immigrants pay taxes, own property, and contribute to the local economy, and as such, they should have a say in how their tax dollars are spent and how their neighborhoods are governed.
Moreover, proponents argue that granting noncitizen immigrants the right to vote in local elections would empower them and foster a sense of belonging and civic engagement. By allowing them to participate in the democratic process, noncitizen immigrants would feel more invested in their communities and be more likely to contribute positively to society.
However, there are also valid concerns raised by those who oppose this resolution. Some argue that allowing noncitizen immigrants to vote in local elections undermines the significance of being a citizen and can lead to a dilution of citizen’s voices. They contend that voting is a fundamental right and privilege that is earned through citizenship, and extending this right to noncitizen immigrants diminishes its value.
Critics also worry that allowing noncitizen immigrants to vote in local elections could open the door to fraud and manipulation. They argue that verifying the legal status of noncitizen immigrants and ensuring the integrity of the voting process would be challenging and could potentially undermine the credibility of local elections.
There is no doubt that the Boston City Council’s consideration of this resolution has ignited a robust debate. Both sides present compelling arguments, and it is important for city officials to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Ultimately, the Boston City Council must carefully consider the potential benefits and challenges of allowing noncitizen immigrants to vote in local elections and ensure that the decision reflects the values and interests of all residents.
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