More than 800,000 noncitizens and “Dreamers” in New York City will have access to the ballot box as soon as next year after Mayor Eric Adams allowed legislation approved by the City Council to automatically become law
The Board of Elections must now begin drawing an implementation plan by July, including voter registration rules and provisions that would create separate ballots for municipal races to prevent noncitizens from casting ballots in federal and state contests.
Not too long ago, Dolma Lama was doing advocacy work urging people to vote - but she wasn't able to vote herself. That's because she had permanent residency status, but is still waiting for full citizenship after coming to the U.S. from Nepal at age 14. Under a new law, New York City will allow noncitizens with permanent residency status the right to vote in local races in 2023. "I've been waiting for years to vote," Lama said.
Adams recently cast uncertainty over the legislation when he raised concern about the monthlong residency standard, but later said those concerns did not mean he would veto the bill.