NYC Council Appeals to Reinstate Noncitizen Voting Law

The appeal aims to counter previous rulings that deemed the law unconstitutional, amid ongoing debates over immigration and civic engagement.

The New York City Council has filed an appeal with the state's highest court, seeking to overturn rulings that struck down a law allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections.
The law, passed in 2021, aimed to enfranchise 800,000 noncitizens with green cards or work authorizations, but was deemed unconstitutional by appellate courts.
Mayor Eric Adams, previously a co-defendant in the legal battle, has not joined the latest appeal, as the city faces challenges from an influx of illegal immigrants.
Immigration advocates and organizations like LatinoJustice have also filed appeals, arguing the law would empower immigrant communities and increase civic engagement.
The legal dispute comes amid heightened attention on the city's handling of asylum seekers and the potential impact on local elections.