Two Los Angeles councilmembers unveiled a proposal to allow noncitizens to vote in city elections.
Hugo Soto-Martinez and Ysabel Jurado have introduced a proposal to allow noncitizens to vote in Los Angeles municipal elections, a move that would mark a significant shift in local election law.
The plan would direct the city to begin the process of amending the Los Angeles City Charter, ultimately requiring voter approval before any change takes effect. Supporters say the proposal is aimed at giving a voice to legal residents who pay taxes and are directly affected by city policies.
“This is about ensuring that everyone who calls Los Angeles home has a say in decisions that impact their daily lives,” Soto-Martínez said in announcing the plan.
Jurado argued the measure would reflect the city’s demographics and civic participation.
“Los Angeles is home to millions of immigrant residents who contribute to our economy and communities,” Jurado said. “They deserve representation at the local level.”
The proposal would apply only to city elections, not state or federal contests, and would likely face legal scrutiny under California law, which currently limits voting rights to U.S. citizens in statewide elections.
However, some jurisdictions, including San Francisco’s school board elections, have allowed limited noncitizen voting in specific contexts.
Critics argue the plan undermines the integrity of elections and blurs the line between citizenship and voting rights.
The debate is expected to intensify as the proposal moves through the City Council process, where it would need majority support before going to voters.
If approved for the ballot, Los Angeles residents would ultimately decide whether to expand voting eligibility in one of the nation’s largest cities.
The measure comes amid broader national debates over election laws, immigration policy, and the role of local governments in shaping voting access.
