It ain’t where ya from

Written By Jason Nichols, Ph.D.

“It ain’t where ya from, it’s where you at” became a well respected hip hop mantra since the God emcee, Rakim, stated it emphatically on his song “In the Ghetto” (1990).  The New York rapper’s words are a perfect response to those who are opposed to noncitizens voting in the city.

As of December of 2021, noncitizens are permitted to vote in local elections in 11 municipalities in Maryland, 2 in Vermont, as well as San Francisco and New York City. Several other places are also considering making this adjustment to voting requirements. It must be understood that these noncitizens do not include undocumented immigrants.  In New York City, one must be a legal noncitizen, meaning a permanent resident with a green card, a DACA recipient, or possess a work permit, who has resided within the city for at least 30 days.  The new law does not have any bearing on federal elections or statewide elections.

Noncitizens voting is not a new concept in the United States.  From 1776-1927, immigrants could vote in 40 states, provided you were a white, property owning male.  While the constitution provides the right to vote to citizens, it does not expressly prohibit noncitizens from voting.  Republicans are opposed to these decisions being made by localities, but ironically are fierce defenders of local control of elections. 

The primary argument for this law hinges upon Rakim’s principle, in addition to the foundational postulate of United States governance; “no taxation without representation.”  Non-citizens have been legally permitted to reside within our borders.  They pay local and sales taxes.  They support and participate in schools, police, and infrastructure projects.  In fact, cities like Burlington, VT and Nashville allow for noncitizens to become police officers.  In other words, noncitizens are trusted to serve, protect, and make life and death decisions for communities across the country, but are not allowed to vote for the next Sheriff or District Attorney.  Non-citizens serve as teachers all over the country, but can’t vote for the school board. They also comprise a significant amount of stakeholders in the success of our cities and towns.  New York City has 800,000 noncitizens, which translates to 1 in 9 voting age residents.

Where these permanent residents are “at” is their home, a place their tax revenue and effort maintains.  If they send their children to local schools, why shouldn’t they be able to vote for school board members?  47% of New York City’s small businesses are owned by residents who are foreign born.  Why shouldn’t many of them have a say in the rules that govern their enterprises?  If they want to vote for President or in statewide elections, they must become citizens.

In 1895, The Niagara Movement stated in its declaration of principles that “no man is so good, intelligent or wealthy as to be entrusted wholly with the welfare of his neighbor.” Our neighbors should have a say in the future of our local communities.