New York City lawmakers approved a bill which will give 800,000 non-citizen permanent residents the right to vote in local elections

The bill, which will give approximately 800,000 non-citizens living in New York City the right to vote in municipal elections, was approved by City Council lawmakers on Thursday. The new measure passed with 33 yes votes, 14 no votes and two abstentions. To be eligible, non-citizens must have lived in New York City for at least 30 days and be permanent US residents.

The New York City Council passed the legislation Thursday to grant eligible lawful permanent residents the right to vote in municipal elections. The law impacts about 800,000 legally documented permanent residents who live, work and pay taxes in NYC.

New York City Council has approved a landmark bill that allows noncitizen residents to vote in local elections, like those for mayor and other city offices.

What people are saying?

Annmarie Rolo Legally documented, voting-age noncitizens comprise nearly one in nine of the city’s 7 million voting-age inhabitants. The measure would allow noncitizens who have been lawful permanent residents of the city for at least 30 days, as well as those authorized to work in the U.S.

NU So if a family from a foreign country visits the US and pays taxes on their flight tickets, hotel stay, and food, then they should get voting rights? Everyone pays taxes when they make purchases, this country has sales taxes.