"Months ago, after years of it being denied, New York City restored the right to vote in municipal elections regardless of immigration status with legislation I was proud to co-sponsor, an essential step towards building a true democracy in our city. Today, the state Supreme Court seeks to once again revoke that right and disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of permanent New York City residents from having a voice in the decisions that shape our city – and choosing the leaders who make those decisions. Federal citizenship should not be a prerequisite to participate in local democracy – as recently as 2002, noncitizens voted in school board elections. In a city like New York, this court ruling will silence the people and communities that are often most impacted by the decisions of those in power.
"Days after the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act was signed in New York State in opposition to a rising tide of voter disenfranchisement across the country, the court’s ruling undercuts that mission and belies New York’s role as a supposed progressive beacon – it must be immediately appealed. New York is a city of immigrants, and to advance our city, we must advance our vote."
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