Law allowing noncitizens to vote in DC elections survives Congress

A Act passed by the Council of the District of Columbia, which allows noncitizens vote in local elections, has been able to withstand a challenge from Congress. It will now be effective next fall.

Republicans tried to block the law earlier in the year by introducing resolutions in both House and Senate. This activated a mechanism that required approval from Congress before the bill could become effective. Although the House passed the resolution, the Senate failed to vote on it before Wednesday’s deadline.

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“Despite House Republican attempts to interfere, the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act became law,” Brianne Nadeau (Consultant) was the author of the bill in a statement. “Our neighbors, who pay taxes, attend our schools, and contribute to the vibrancy of our communities, will now also have a say in who represents them in our local government,”

In October, District lawmakers passed a bill that would allow noncitizens the right to vote in local elections. This follows the lead of a few small towns in Maryland like Hyattsville or Takoma Park that have similar laws. The bill was approved by the D.C. Council with overwhelming support, but Congress did not pass it due to the lack of statehood in the district.

The Home Rule Act allows Washington to function as an independent city government. All laws must be approved by Congress before being made, which can sometimes lead to clashes between Congress members and local legislators.

In January, Sen. Tom Cotton (R.-AR) and Rep. James Comer(R.KY) jointly introduced legislation to repeal the law. They argued that the provision was an invalid one. “insult to every voter in America.”

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The law passed Congress, but it is still being challenged by legal opponents. The Immigration Reform Law Institute filed a lawsuit against it, claiming that the bill violates a Supreme Court ruling that voting is prohibited. “reserved” For citizens.

The lawsuit marks the latest pushback against local legislation in the district just one week after the Senate voted to overturn the city’s rewritten criminal code — marking the first time in 30 years Congress has repealed a law passed by the D.C. Council. House Republicans have since introduced another resolution addressing recent reforms to city’s justice system and police department.