Appeals court hearing on municipal voting rights for lawful permanent residents and authorized workers marks critical moment in OCOV coalition's efforts
New York, NY–Today, the New York State Court of Appeals heard arguments regarding the constitutionality of extending municipal voting rights to lawful permanent residents and persons authorized to work in New York City. A decision is expected in the coming months. The Our City, Our Vote (OCOV) Coalition, a diverse group of organizations representing immigrant and voting rights advocates, continues to advocate for Local Law 11, which would permit lawfully present residents and those with work authorizations to vote in local New York City elections, including for mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough president, and City Council, as well as ballot referendums.
“New York City has long been a beacon for immigrant communities, and our democracy is stronger when every voice is heard,” said Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition. “Ensuring that municipal voting rights are protected is not just a legal fight—it’s a moral imperative. At a time when the Trump administration and their allies in New York seek to erase the constitutional rights of immigrants, we must stand firm in New York’s commitment to immigrant representation. New Yorkers built this city, and they deserve a say in its future.”
“For more than a decade, this coalition has fought to expand suffrage in municipal elections because democracy is stronger when more of our neighbors participate,” said Susan Stamler, Executive Director of United Neighborhood Houses. “In 2021, we secured the passage of Our City Our Vote through the New York City Council and it became law in 2022, and yet not a single immigrant New Yorker who was granted the right to vote on local issues has had a chance to cast a ballot. We are glad the New York Court of Appeals will finally be hearing our argument today, and we are optimistic they will rule on the side of reason.”
"We are incredibly proud of our clients who have shown unwavering resilience against efforts to silence our communities," said Cesar Ruiz, Associate Counsel, LatinoJustice PRLDEF and one of the lead lawyers in the case. "Expanding municipal voting rights is essential to a truly representative democracy, ensuring all residents can shape the policies that impact their lives. LatinoJustice remains committed to protecting voting rights for all New Yorkers and urges our highest court to recognize the voices of our immigrant community in local decisions."
“Amidst the Trump administration’s relentless attacks on immigrants and white supremacist ideas of who is and isn’t American, today’s hearing is fundamentally about how a multiracial democracy should not disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of people who contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of our city. Aside from taking on jobs essential to keeping society running, immigrants—regardless of citizenship status—have intrinsic worth as our beloved neighbors and family members. They should have an equal voice,” said Bethany Li, Executive Director, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF).
"New York City is home to the largest foreign-born Caribbean immigrant population. Local Law 11 stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that the voices of 39% of eligible Afro- and Indo-Caribbean New Yorkers are heard and politically empowered who live in Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park in Queens, Flatbush and Crown Heights in Brooklyn, and Castel Hill, Soundview, and Wakefield in the Bronx—all Caribbean-centric neighborhoods in New York City. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 created a pathway for Caribbean immigrants and Caribbean LGBTQ+ people to contribute to the ethnic diversity and economy of New York, which fosters cultural competency, strengthens cross-racial solidarity, combats anti-Asian hate violence, builds political power, and ensures representation in public education. Our communities have been under attack, dehumanized, and forced to live in fear. Now is the time for Local Law 11 to fortify immigrant voting rights by sending a powerful message that immigrants are valued and are treated with dignity. New York State's highest court must stand with immigrants to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion," said Mohamed Q. Amin, Executive Director, Caribbean Equality Project.
“During these perilous times when immigrants are under attack, their voices must be heard! Green card holders and those with work authorization deserve to have a say about local laws and policies that impact their lives. These New Yorkers are an integral part of the economic and social fabric of New York City; they pay taxes and contribute to the well being of this nation. We demand the court uphold Local Law 11,” said Annetta Seecharran, Executive Director, Chhaya Community Development Corporation.
"New York has the opportunity to profoundly empower immigrant communities and increase civic participation by allowing non-citizen voting to move forward. Local decisions impact everyone who lives within a community's borders, regardless of citizenship, and it is more critical than ever to ensure that all perspectives and needs are considered at the local level. We strongly urge the NYS Court of Appeals to allow this important legislation to be implemented and enfranchise nearly one million of our fellow New Yorkers, including many in the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, to help shape and direct the future of our city,” said Wayne Ho, President & CEO, Chinese American Planning Council (CPC)
“Every day, local officials make that effect the lives of all New Yorkers. Our City Our Vote would provide NY with an opportunity to expand the electorate and increase civic participation. Voting in local elections, having a say in the processes that affect us, can be an important early step that leads to citizenship and long-term civic engagement,” said Mae Lee, Executive Director, Chinese Progressive Association.
“New York has always been a beacon of hope – a city built by immigrants, for immigrants. Citizens and non-citizens alike contribute to making New York City the thriving, international metropolis it is as today. History has shown us that when communities are empowered, democracy flourishes. For too long, Asian American immigrants have been sidelined in the very decisions that shape their daily lives. "Our City, Our Vote" seeks to rectify a fundamental injustice: taxation without representation. Local Law 11 is not just about voting—it's about dignity, inclusion, and recognizing the contributions of all New Yorkers. The right to have a voice in local governance strengthens our communities, fosters civic engagement, and ensures that the policies shaping our future reflect the diversity of those who call this city home. The New York State Court of Appeals must stand on the right side of history and affirm the fundamental right of immigrants to participate in our democracy,” said Clement So, Team Leader, Metropolitan Asian Deaf Association.
“Tuesday’s hearing is a pivotal moment in the fight for immigrant voting rights. Immigrants, who are the backbone of our communities, deserve a voice in local decisions that affect their lives. At a time when immigrant contributions are questioned and voting rights are under attack, this case is about more than one law—it’s about the future of inclusive democracy,” said John Park, Executive Director, MinKwon Center for Community Action.
“Parent Child Relationship Association supports the OCOV coalition that is participating in Albany Advocacy Day. We support immigrant voting rights! Through this event, we demonstrate the collective power of our community to advocate for stronger education and voting rights reform. We invite all members to join us and raise their voices for a better future,” said Nicole Huang, Executive Director, Parent Child Relationship Association.
“RAISE calls on the New York Court of Appeals to uphold Local Law 11. For decades, we’ve lived in this city, yet we’ve been denied a voice in electing those who shape every aspect of our lives. It’s time for New York City to stop silencing immigrants and recognize our right to vote,” said Christine, Community Organizer, Revolutionizing Asian American Immigrant Stories on the East Coast.
Background:
In December 2021, the New York City Council passed Local Law 11 (known as Our City, Our Vote), which allows New York City residents who are otherwise qualified to register under New York State election law to vote in municipal elections. Prior to the bill’s passage, nearly one million New York City residents could not vote in local elections due to their residency status, despite paying taxes and being invested in and contributing to the city.
Shortly after the law went into effect on January 2022, a group of New York Republican voters, New York Republican officials, and members of the New York Republican State Committee and the Republican National Committee filed a legal challenge seeking to subvert the will of the New York City Council and newly enfranchised New Yorkers. Prior to pushing for its passage, the New York Immigration Coalition, assisted by a pro-bono legal team, conducted a rigorous legal review of Intro 1867/Local Law 11 and found that the bill did not violate New York State’s electoral laws or its constitution.
In June, 2022 the NYS Supreme Court in Staten Island struck down the law, ruling in favor of the plaintiffs. In February 2024, the NYS Supreme Court Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department, once again ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. One member of the four-judge panel issued a dissenting opinion on the decision.