Recent immigration raids in Southern California sparked efforts to empower noncitizens through voting rights. Angelica Salas, head of a prominent immigrant rights group, frequently met with City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez. Both focused on the lack of political influence among noncitizens.
Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, emphasized that such issues arise because immigrants lack the right to vote. These discussions led Soto-Martínez to propose a ballot initiative for noncitizen voting in city and school district elections.
In June, two-thirds of the council approved drafting a measure for the November ballot. However, the council reversed its decision and sent the proposal for further study. Soto-Martínez admitted the need for more outreach, especially to the Black community.
Critics accused the council of inadequate preparation, raising concerns about the potential inclusion of undocumented immigrants. Some feared the proposal might inadvertently target those it aimed to support, particularly under the Trump administration.
Civil rights leaders urged the council to reconsider, citing risks to Black voting representation and political dynamics in Los Angeles.
Rev. K.W. Tulloss, from Mobilizing Preachers and Communities, highlighted community concerns over Black voting power. Black residents account for about 8% of registered voters in L.A. An increase in noncitizen voters might further reduce this percentage.
By year-end, L.A.’s City Council is expected to have fewer Black representatives. Concerns also exist about diminishing Black influence on the county’s Board of Supervisors.
Tulloss supports a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants but warns against divisive proposals. He stresses unity among Black and brown communities.
Echo Park-to-Hollywood district representative Soto-Martínez included noncitizen voting in his 2022 campaign platform. He cited San Francisco’s 2016 measure allowing noncitizen parents to vote in school board elections as inspiration.
The U.S. history of expanding voting rights influenced his stance, considering it a logical progression.
Past efforts in L.A. to explore noncitizen voting, initiated by school board member Kelly Gonez, were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A citizens commission convened in 2023 to propose changes to the city’s governing document. They narrowly rejected noncitizen voting, citing potential consequences from the Trump administration.
Soto-Martínez proposed a two-step process for expanding voting rights. Initially, voters would authorize the City Council to grant noncitizens the right to vote. The council would then finalize the specific details.
Critics question the timing of his proposal. Councilmember Monica Rodriguez expressed worry over federal authorities accessing noncitizen voter rolls. Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa opposes noncitizen voting in city elections due to current risks.
Villaraigosa suggests limiting such voting to L.A. Unified parents, acknowledging the potential dangers of the current political climate.
Soto-Martínez counters arguments of fear and emphasizes immigrant resilience in pursuing better futures.
CHIRLA’s Salas similarly argues that existing risks won’t worsen by expanding voting rights.
Concerns extend beyond political risks. Officials must address logistical challenges like separate ballots for non-state and national elections, along with associated costs.
Twenty-two jurisdictions nationwide have implemented noncitizen voting, showing potential paths forward. Megan Dias, co-author of a report on the topic, stresses the importance of coalition-building before presenting proposals to voters.
Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson expects thorough review and potential 2028 ballot inclusion. Detailed plans are needed to safeguard Black voting districts and outline noncitizen categories, including green card holders and DACA recipients.
Clarity is essential before taking changes to voters:
- Cost evaluation
- Implementation strategy
- Defined parameters
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