LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — The Los Angeles City Council has approved a ballot measure for the November election that could allow some non-citizens to vote in local races. The decision sets up a citywide vote on a proposal that has sparked debate across political lines and among residents.
The measure, introduced by Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, would explore expanding voting rights in local elections to certain non-citizens who live in the city. Supporters say the idea focuses on residents who contribute to the community through work, taxes, and local involvement.
Soto-Martinez said the proposal raises important questions about inclusion and civic participation. He noted concerns about cost and eligibility, but he argued that long-term residents who build their lives in the city should have a voice in local decisions.
“I recognize the concerns around how much money it’s going to cost and who is going to be eligible,” he said. “What I believe the choice in front of us is: if you believe people who are residents of this city, who contribute, who pay their taxes, have their businesses, should we explore how we give them the ability to vote in local elections?”
The proposal would apply to some immigrants with legal status protections, including people enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, as well as individuals with active asylum cases. However, city officials said key details still need to be finalized before the ballot language becomes official.
City leaders also raised concerns about how the plan would work in practice. Councilmember Monica Rodriguez questioned both the financial impact and the logistics of implementation. She said the city may need to fund a separate voting system and questioned whether county officials have been properly consulted.
“We actually find ourselves in a difficult situation because we’re either going to have to finance our own separate type of ballot,” Rodriguez said. “I don’t even know that the county has been consulted on how to implement such a concept.”
The proposal has drawn strong opposition from some Republican leaders, who criticized the council’s priorities. They argued that city officials should focus on public safety, homelessness, and basic services instead of expanding voting rights.
Critics said Los Angeles continues to face challenges such as crime, homelessness, and sanitation issues. They argued that the city should address those problems before considering changes to voter eligibility rules.
At the same time, supporters of the measure say the debate reflects broader national discussions about immigration and civic participation. Councilmember Nithya Raman, who is running for mayor against Karen Bass, voiced support for exploring the idea. She pointed to other cities that have considered similar policies at the local level.
“I’m very supportive of exploring, expanding this,” Raman said. “Parents and school boards have done this in other cities.”
The proposal has also drawn mixed reactions from residents. Some Angelenos said they need more information before forming an opinion. Others said they support the concept of expanding voting rights to non-citizens who live and work in the city.
One resident, Victoria Esparza, said non-citizens contribute to the community and deserve a voice in local decisions.
“I think people who are non-citizens still deserve to vote because they are part of our community, regardless of whether they are citizens or not,” Esparza said. “They still contribute in good ways to our community.”
