The Boston City Council is considering a measure that would allow non-citizens with “legal status” to vote in municipal elections. Councilor Julia Mejia introduced a home-rule petition on Wednesday, building on a similar effort from 2023.
Expert Insight:
In 2023, the City Council approved a similar home-rule petition by an 8-4 vote, but it ultimately stalled in the Massachusetts State House. Mejia characterized the State House as a place “where everything goes to die.” This time, Mejia argues the effort is more urgent given what she describes as increasing attacks and harmful rhetoric directed at immigrant communities.
Councilors Liz Breadon, Miniard Culpepper, Ruthzee Louijeune, Enrique Pepén, Henry Santana, Ben Weber, and Brian Worrell have signed on to support the petition. It has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations for further review.
The petition asserts that these legal residents are deeply invested in the city’s future, yet are excluded from decisions impacting their daily lives – a situation Mejia frames as a violation of the principle of “no taxation without representation.”
While non-citizens are prohibited from voting in federal elections, several municipalities in Vermont, Maryland, and California, as well as Washington, D.C., currently allow non-citizens to vote in certain local elections. A similar law passed in New York City in 2021 was later struck down by the state’s highest court.
Councilor Ed Flynn, who did not sign the petition, expressed concern that the measure could undermine faith in the electoral system, stating his belief that the right to vote should be reserved for U.S. Citizens.
For the petition to develop into law, it must pass both chambers of the Massachusetts Legislature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home-rule petition?
A home-rule petition is a process by which a city or town can ask the state legislature to grant it specific powers or exemptions from state law.
What percentage of Boston’s population are non-citizen immigrants with “legal status”?
According to the petition, non-citizen immigrants with “legal status” make up more than 28% of Boston’s population.
What happened to the previous attempt to allow non-citizens to vote in Boston?
In 2023, the City Council approved a similar home-rule petition, but it stalled in the Massachusetts State House.
As this proposal moves forward, will Boston residents see a shift in local representation and civic engagement?
