City Hall, NY – Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Immigration Committee Chair Shahana Hanif released the following statement after a Richmond County judge ruled against the city’s recently passed municipal voting law. In December 2021, the Council passed legislation to give non-United States citizens living in New York City the right to vote in local elections.

“We are disappointed by today’s ruling. The Council passed Local Law 11 to enfranchise nearly one million voters, many Black and brown New Yorkers, who live here, pay taxes, and contribute to our city. By providing city residents with a voice in their local government representation, we provide them with an equal stake in the long-term success of our city. Now more than ever, when our rights are being threatened, we need more civic and community engagement, not less. We are reviewing the ruling and exploring options for moving forward.”

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