Representacion sin voto

One of every five adult New Yorkers are ineligible to vote because our city restricts them from doing so. They have no say at the voter booth on the decisions made about their lives.

New York City now has the opportunity to change this and set a nationwide precedent. It could become the first major city to introduce and pass a bill that would grant, or rather, restore, the right to vote to legal permanent residents in local elections.

Surprisingly, the participation of immigrants in elections was once a standard. And as recently as the 1990’s, residents with legal status were able to vote and elect the local school boards.

The passage of a bill that gives the disenfranchised a voice in the local electoral process is the democratic and right thing to do. It encourages civic engagement and participation in a city that could use more of it.

Throughout the years, Mayor Bloomberg has stated his opposition to this measure, saying that voting is a citizen’s right. Yet, he has also pointed to how Congress has gotten in the way of legalization and citizenship. So why not act locally and make support of this bill a part of his legacy?

The bill has the votes—35— from Council members who have listened to calls for this law and who support a democratic society. More leaders should join them in sending an overwhelming, veto-proof mandate to the Mayor.