A growing controversy has arisen regarding the possibility of allowing legal residents without U.S. citizenship to vote in local elections in various communities across the United States. In this context, the city of Santa Ana, located in Orange County with a population of around 310,000 residents, will vote on a ballot measure in November that could make it the first entity in California to implement this measure.
The discussion revolves around the argument that it is essential to protect the sanctity of the vote, while on the other hand, it is argued that a significant portion of the resident population contributes large sums of money through state and local taxes without having a voice in the administration of local government. In the case of Santa Ana, it is estimated that non-citizen residents contribute approximately $117 million annually according to the Harbor Institute for Immigrant and Economic Justice.
Santa Ana councilman Benjamin Vázquez expressed that this situation represents "taxation without representation," highlighting the need to give these residents a voice in local decisions. However, this proposal has encountered resistance, particularly from Republicans who still control local political power.
The measure under discussion would allow permanent residents, visa holders, refugees, and legally undocumented immigrants to participate in local elections. Proponents of the proposal argue that it is fair since these individuals live in the communities and contribute taxes.
The debate is not limited to Santa Ana, as other states like Maryland, Vermont, and Washington D.C., as well as New York City, have addressed similar initiatives in the past. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that a state judge struck down a law granting local voting rights to non-citizens in New York in 2022.
In this context, it is suggested that the introduction of this measure in Santa Ana could set a significant precedent in the state of California, generating intense debate and reflection on the electoral participation of non-citizen residents in local elections.