Los Angeles leaders will meet Monday to consider a proposal by Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez that could allow noncitizen residents to vote in local elections. If approved, the charter amendment would authorize the City Council to later establish a “residential voting” program for city and school district contests.
What is the proposed residential voting program?
The measure is designed as a two-step process. Rather than granting immediate voting rights, the charter amendment would give the City Council the authority to create a residential voting program through a separate ordinance at a later date.
This approach allows city leaders to address questions regarding eligibility and implementation before any program begins. According to Soto-Martinez’s office, advocates have discussed extending these rights to long-term residents, such as DACA recipients and lawful permanent residents, who have established ties to Los Angeles.
Why is the proposal causing debate?
The proposal has emerged as a divisive issue. Supporters, including Jesus Ramon Villalba Gastelum of the California Immigrant Policy Center, argue that residents who work and pay taxes should have a voice in local decisions. Grace McManus, a lawful permanent resident with the Pilipino Workers Center, noted that she contributes to the local economy but currently has no say in choosing city leaders.
Opponents argue the measure could weaken the link between citizenship and voting. Ira Mehlman, a spokesperson for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, stated that the right to determine how tax dollars are spent should be reserved for U.S. citizens. He also warned that expanding access could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
“Some (Council) members have expressed concerns about who qualifies, how do we do it, and I think those concerns are very valid,” Soto-Martinez told SCNG. “Which is why the only thing we’re pushing forward is to give us the ability to do it in the future, so that we can think through these things.”
How does this compare to other jurisdictions?
While federal and state laws prohibit noncitizens from voting in those specific elections, several other jurisdictions have adopted local noncitizen voting. Municipalities in Maryland, Washington D.C., and cities in Vermont have implemented similar forms of participation.
In California, Oakland voters approved a similar measure in 2022. Election expert Mindy Romero, director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy, noted that while local jurisdictions have the authority to open access in non-federal elections, these debates are often complicated by broader claims regarding election fraud and misinformation.
What happens next for the measure?
The proposal was not heard during Friday’s meeting of the City Council’s Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson said the panel is expected to reconvene Monday to continue consideration of items left over from the previous meeting.
If the committee makes a recommendation, the full City Council must still approve the measure. Lawmakers face a June 17 deadline to place charter reform amendments on the November ballot. The proposal’s eventual fate may also depend on how it is packaged with other charter reform measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this proposal immediately grant noncitizens the right to vote?
No. The amendment would only authorize the City Council to create a residential voting program at a later time through a separate ordinance.
Which elections would be eligible for residential voting?
The proposal would apply only to local elections under city authority, including city elections and Los Angeles Unified School District elections.
Can noncitizens vote in state or federal elections under this plan?
No. Federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, and California law limits voting in state elections to U.S. citizens.
How should cities balance local representation with traditional citizenship requirements?
