The New York City Council asked the state’s highest court to strike down a pair of rulings in a move that would pave the way for noncitizen immigrants to vote in city elections.
The controversial election change, passed by the City Council in late 2021 and signed into law by then-Mayor Bill de Blasio, would have allowed 800,000 noncitizens with green cards to vote but was struck down as unconstitutional last month by an appellate court.
“Today’s filing to appeal the Second Department’s recent decision seeks a determination from the state’s highest court that the law is consistent with the State Constitution, Election Law, and the Municipal Home Rule Law,” said Rendy Desamours, spokesperson for the City Council.
“Empowering New Yorkers to participate in our local democratic process can only strengthen New York City by increasing civic engagement.”
The council has argued that noncitizens here legally should be able to vote since they pay taxes and make contributions to their community.