The city of Frederick, Maryland, has passed a significant change to its charter allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections. The new law, however, does not affect state or federal elections, as non-citizens are not permitted to vote in races such as those for the U.S. president or Congress.
The decision, made by the Board of Aldermen in a 4-1 vote, has sparked both praise and criticism, adding fuel to ongoing debates about voter eligibility and election integrity.
Frederick’s decision, announced in September 2024, aligns it with several other Maryland municipalities that have granted local voting rights to non-citizens, including Green Card holders and undocumented immigrants.
Welcome to Frederick sign at the outskirts of the city. Founded in 1745 this historic Maryland town is seat of Frederick County. The city of Frederick, Maryland, has passed a significant change to its charter…
Welcome to Frederick sign at the outskirts of the city. Founded in 1745 this historic Maryland town is seat of Frederick County. The city of Frederick, Maryland, has passed a significant change to its charter allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections.
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Mayor Michael O’Connor defended the move, emphasizing that while the U.S. federal immigration system remains slow and inefficient, local governments should not be bound by federal procedures when granting basic civic rights at the municipal level.
“I think as I continue to research this issue and listen to the discussions and comments that have come to our meetings and elsewhere, I lean more in favor than opposed — yes,” he responded during Tuesday’s edition of “The Morning News Express” on WFMD.
Mayor O’Connor and supporters of the measure argue that non-citizens contribute to the local economy, pay taxes, and have a vested interest in how their communities are governed, which justifies their participation in city elections.
“I am very excited to support this measure tonight as another way in which we are welcoming all members of our community into our civic circle here,” said Alderman Ben MacShane, who voted in favor of the amendment.
They estimate at least 6,400 non-citizens in Frederick would be eligible to vote by the 2025 election.
However, critics argue that this undermines the value of U.S. citizenship and could compromise election integrity. Alderman Kelly Russell, the sole dissenting vote, raised concerns about fairness and expressed that non-citizens should go through the process of naturalization before gaining the right to vote.
“I have talked to many people who worked to get their citizenship in order to vote who do not agree to that, who feel that their efforts and all the hard work that they did is being diminished by this,” she said.
Still, the mayor has noted that even with the bill passed, only a small number of non-U.S. citizens vote in local elections when granted that right.
“The number of non-citizens who vote is pretty low. The estimates are less than one percent,” he said.
The charter amendment is not unique to Frederick; 11 other municipalities in Maryland have implemented similar policies. Frederick now joins cities like Takoma Park and Hyattsville in allowing all residents, regardless of immigration status, to vote in local elections.
As recommended by the committee, the newly passed bill requires the city to develop and maintain separate voting rolls for non-citizens.
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Publish date : 2024-09-26 07:51:00
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