The sun sets on the skyline of lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center in New York City on June 20. Photo: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
A New York judge on Monday ruled that a New York City law granting noncitizens the right to vote violates the state's constitution.
The big picture: The New York City Council in December voted to allow noncitizens to vote in municipal elections starting in 2023.
- After New York City Mayor Eric Adams allowed the law to take effect in January, more than 800,000 permanent legal residents and green card holders became eligible to vote in local elections.
Driving the news: State Supreme Court Justice Ralph Porzio struck down the law, saying New York City exceeded the authority granted to it by the New York State Constitution.
- Porzio noted that both the state constitution and state election law expressly mention that "citizens meeting the age and residency requirements are entitled to register and vote in elections."
- "Though voting is a right that so many citizens take for granted, the City of New York cannot 'obviate' the restrictions imposed by the Constitution," he added.
What they're saying: "The RNC is proud to head a broad coalition in successfully challenging this unconstitutional scheme and will continue to lead the effort across the country to ensure only citizens can vote in America’s elections," Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement. The RNC was party to the lawsuit.
Editor's note: This article was updated to include a statement from the Republican National Committee