Minneapolis council member-elect seeks voting rights for noncitizens
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Voters cast ballots at the Kenny Elementary School in Minneapolis on Nov. 2. Photo: Christian Monterrosa via AP
An incoming city council member wants to bring New York City's recent move to allow noncitizens to vote in municipal elections to Minneapolis.
Driving the news: Council member-elect Jason Chavez told Axios he's in the "beginning steps" of exploring local legislation on the matter.
- He hopes to introduce a measure after the new council is sworn in next year.
The big picture: While it's illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, U.S. law doesn't address state and local races.
- A growing number of cities and towns, ranging from San Francisco to Montpelier, Vermont, have enacted measures in recents years to expand voting eligibility in at least some municipal races.
- Takoma Park, Maryland, has allowed the practice since the 1990s.
Yes, but: Minnesota's state constitution and elections laws define voters as citizens.
- That means a change in statute — or even a constitutional amendment — would likely be needed in order for the city to enact such a change.
Of note: New York's measure applies to lawful permanent residents and immigrants authorized to work to vote if they have lived in the city for at least 30 days.
- Chavez said he would like to go even farther if possible, extending rights to undocumented immigrants.
By the numbers: Minneapolis is home to about 30,000 noncitizen immigrants ages 16 and older, per U.S. Census data.
What he's saying: Chavez said he'll consult with local experts and review any lawsuits filed in New York to see if he can craft language that would be effective here.
- He argues the change would give more voice and political power to immigrants, including many of his constituents in South Minneapolis' diverse Ward 9.
- "When people don't vote, some officials or politicians don't take their voices seriously," he said. "This would push people to listen to immigrants, whether they're citizens or not … because they're real and they're part of Minneapolis."
Meanwhile, Mayor Jacob Frey said while he believes current state law prohibits the change, he would welcome a discussion and review of relevant data regarding the proposal with election experts and immigrant rights advocates.
What to watch: The push would likely face political and legal pushback, even if it wins support from the council.