The New York Court of Appeals Noncitizen Voting ruling has overturned a law permitting noncitizens to vote in municipal elections. In a 6-1 decision, the court deemed the law unconstitutional, confirming that only U.S. citizens can vote in New York. This decision ends a lengthy legal dispute and may influence other cities considering similar measures.
Background of the Noncitizen Voting Law
In 2021, the New York City Council passed the law, which took effect in 2022. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Mayor Eric Adams chose not to veto it. The law was designed to grant voting rights to over 800,000 noncitizens, including legal immigrants, enabling them to vote in local elections.
Critics, however, argued the law violated Article II of the New York State Constitution. This article restricts voting rights to U.S. citizens.
Legal Challenges and Opposition
Opponents, including Republican lawmakers and legal experts, claimed the law undermined election integrity.
Joe Borelli, a Republican City Council member and plaintiff, argued that the case was clear. He stated the state constitution explicitly limits voting rights to U.S. citizens.
🚨 #BREAKING: New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, has BLOCKED New York City’s law allowing non-citizens to vote, 6-1
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 20, 2025
This, along with Trump’s sealed border and mass deportations, just KlLLED the Democrats’ plans to rig elections by importing illegal voters.
HUGE win… pic.twitter.com/Fae6f2nEdA
Court’s Ruling and Key Takeaways
In a 6-1 ruling, the court sided with opponents and struck down the law.
Chief Judge Rowan Wilson warned that expanding voter eligibility could set a dangerous precedent.
“The term ‘citizen’ is not just a guideline—it is a requirement for voter eligibility,” Wilson wrote, according to The Daily Caller.
Reactions to the Ruling
Progressive groups expressed disappointment, arguing legal immigrants deserve a voice in elections, as they contribute to society.t, arguing that legal immigrants contribute to society and deserve a voice in elections.
– Republicans celebrated the ruling, viewing it as a win for election integrity.
– Assemblymember Michael Tannousis said, “This decision protects the sanctity of our elections.”
– Progressive groups expressed disappointment, arguing legal immigrants deserve a voice in elections, as they contribute to society.
Impact on Future Elections
This ruling may impact other cities considering similar laws. Cities like San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and parts of Maryland and Vermont already allow noncitizen voting in certain local elections.
Legal experts believe this ruling will influence future court battles regarding voting rights nationwide.
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