Our City, Our Vote supports legislation to expand municipal voting rights so that legal permanent residents and those with work authorization can vote in local elections in New York City.
OUR MISSION
“For too long, Green Card holders and New Yorkers with working permits have been unable to elect their local representatives. New York City has the opportunity to show the nation that we value the contributions and the hard work immigrants bring to our City. ”
We live in a democracy, and yet nearly one million New Yorkers cannot vote. They legally live here, work here, go to school here, and are raising families here, but despite paying billions of dollars in taxes each year, they have no say in the direction of our city.
Who is allowed to vote has always depended on which groups society believes should or should not have political power. In 2020, it’s time to rethink what a 21st century democracy looks like. In New York City, the quintessential city of immigrants, democracy should be inclusive and reflective of the people who call it home. A growing coalition of 45 organizations is advocating for the passage of legislation that would restore municipal voting rights to New York City residents with lawful presence.
OUR BACKGROUND
This campaign to expand municipal voting has existed in some form for over a decade, and the Our City, Our Vote campaign offers our gratitude to our partners who have been long-time supporters of this movement.
In January 2020, legislation to expand municipal voting rights was re-introduced in the New York City Council.This legislation would allow these New Yorkers to participate in municipal elections for local officials, such as City Council Members, Mayor, Public Advocate, Borough Presidents, and Comptroller, as well as ballot initiatives. Individuals must have been a resident of New York City for at least 30 days and otherwise must qualify to register and vote under New York State election law. The legislation also includes key safeguards such as robust community education, training for poll workers and agency staff who may be handing out voter registration forms, and the ability of a voter to opt out of registering if they did so by mistake.