Judge Rules New York City Election Law Unconstitutional
TownhallDec 29, 2021
The Facts
On Mon., a New York state judge reversed a law granting noncitizen residents in the city the right to vote in mayoral and other local office elections.
Justice Ralph Porzio cited the NY State Constitution, which "expressly states that only citizens" are entitled to vote. The ruling means more than 800K NYC residents will be restricted from registering to vote.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The law was a groundbreaking expansion for the enfranchisement of immigrants who have already integrated themselves with American life through green cards and work authorization. There is room for interpretation of the State Constitution and activists must fight this decision.
Republican narrative
This is a victory for preserving election integrity and security. New York's State Constitution is abundantly clear - noncitizens do not have the right to vote in US elections. The few GOP politicians in NY took the necessary and logical action to protect citizens' voting power and uphold Constitutional rights and rightly won their case.