New York City lawmakers, led by far-left Mayor Bill de Blasio, are going over legislation that would give voting rights to non-citizens and illegal aliens in local elections.
According to a report in The Guardian, the legislation being discussed would give, “legally documented residents who have lived in New York City for at least six months (the ability) to vote in municipal elections…” and that “a bill might be introduced as soon as this spring.”
An earlier effort by city councilman Daniel Dromm to give illegals the right to vote, he garnered a veto proof majority of 35 out 51 votes on the city council but was stopped by then council speaker Christine Quinn and stiff opposition by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Upon taking office, DeBlasio signaled his willingness to reopen the question of non-citizen voting. Dromm estimates that illegals “make up as much as half the population” in areas that he represents and that more than 1 million illegal immigrants citywide could vote if the legislation that Dromm envisions become law.
It is the next step in watering down what it means to be a citizen following the launch of a newly instituted IDNYC card that according to the city’s website is an:
“…accessible and secure document that enables residents (including illegals) to access City services and grant admission to City buildings, such as schools. In addition, the card can be presented as proof of identification for interacting with the police and is an accepted form of identification for opening a banking account at select financial institutions.”
“…additional benefits are available to IDNYC cardholders including the opportunity to sign up for free one-year memberships at 33 of the city’s leading museums, zoos, concert halls, and botanical gardens”…”discounts on movie tickets, prescription drugs, fitness and health centers, supermarkets and New York City attractions…”
The Guardian was quick to point out that “many Americans find the idea of non-citizen voting entirely unpalatable and fear that it undermines the sanctity and privilege of citizenship.” Eric Ulrich, one of three Republicans on the city council, recently told Newsday:
“The right to vote is a privilege and a sacred obligation that citizens have enjoyed. It should only be for United States citizens. It’s also a reason for people who are on a path to citizenship to aspire to citizenship. It’s something for them to look forward to.”
Left unanswered is the role that DeBlaiso’s newly minted illegal immigrant voters will have in state and federal elections. In an editorial piece penned by former Congressman Alan West for his group “Steadfast and Loyal” he proffers an answer:
“…if these non-citizens are allowed to vote in the elections of the nation’s largest city – then why not also in the state elections? Then, why not in national elections? After all, apparently liberal progressives believe if you’re here in America, you should have representation.”
“This just goes to show the left believes it cannot afford to trust the sanctity of the American electoral system…”
“At what point does America acknowledge that for the liberal progressive left, it is not about the privilege and honor of being an American – it is about their power. It’s not about winning elections on the merit of their ideas but rather seeking any manipulative means by which they can outmaneuver the system and deceive the people.”
