Additional Coverage:
- Karen Bass refuses to give ‘yes or no’ answer on whether noncitizens should vote in LA: ‘It depends’ (foxnews.com)
Los Angeles mayoral candidates faced a notable moment of contention Wednesday night over whether noncitizens should be permitted to vote in local elections-a question that highlighted clear divisions among the contenders.
During a debate hosted by NBC4 and Telemundo, moderator Enrique Chiabra pressed candidates for a straightforward yes-or-no response. Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, declined to answer definitively, stating, “It depends,” and emphasizing that the issue is more complex than a simple yes or no. In contrast, Republican challenger Spencer Pratt responded unequivocally with a firm “No.”
The debate comes amid renewed discussions sparked by a Los Angeles city councilmember who is advocating for the question to appear on the November ballot for voter consideration.
Bass clarified her position by noting that “noncitizens” can include individuals with legal residency, such as green card holders, not only undocumented immigrants. She remarked, “There are many states and cities that allow noncitizens to vote in very limited local elections. We need to understand the specifics of what the councilmember is proposing.”
Councilwoman Nithya Raman, also running for mayor, echoed Bass’s nuanced stance, saying, “It does depend,” and pointing out that some jurisdictions permit noncitizen residents to vote in certain local elections, like those for school boards.
Pratt, a former reality television personality and one of the leading challengers in the crowded 13-candidate field, maintained a clear-cut opposition to noncitizen voting rights.
The Los Angeles mayoral primary is set for June 2, with the general election scheduled for November 3. Both Bass and Pratt remain prominent figures in the race for leadership of the nation’s second-largest city.
Requests for further comments from the campaigns of Bass, Pratt, and Raman have been made.