Court Rejects NYC Noncitizen Voting Law

The New York Court of Appeals has struck down a controversial New York City law that would have allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections, citing it as unconstitutional. The decision, passed with a 6-1 majority, emphasized that the New York State Constitution restricts voting rights to U.S. citizens only. This law, enacted in 2022, would have enfranchised nearly 800,000 noncitizens, including lawful permanent residents, in municipal elections. Proponents argued that noncitizens contribute significantly to the community through taxes and should have a say in local governance, while opponents maintained it violated the state constitution. The ruling is seen as a victory for Republicans who challenged the law, arguing it would dilute the votes of citizens. The decision has put an end to the legal battles surrounding the law, reaffirming the constitutional requirement that only citizens can vote.