LA City Council advances noncitizen voting measure to ballot

The Los Angeles City Council has voted to advance a measure that could grant noncitizens the right to vote in city and school board elections, placing the controversial proposal before voters this November. The council approved the measure on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, by a vote of 10-5 as part of a broader package of proposed changes to the city charter.

The proposal, introduced by Councilman Hugo Soto-Martínez, would allow the city to create a program enabling noncitizen residents, including those with legal status such as DACA recipients, Temporary Protected Status holders, and legal permanent residents, to vote in municipal and Los Angeles Unified School District elections. Soto-Martínez argued the change is a matter of fairness and representation for people who live, work, pay taxes, and raise families in the city but currently have no say in local government. He stated it does not make sense that a temporary resident has more of a voice than a long-term contributing resident.

Opponents on the council raised practical and philosophical objections. Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who voted against the measure, questioned the logistical feasibility and cost, noting the city...