NON-CITIZENS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO VOTE

A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)

The past week saw the Assembly not in session, affording me the opportunity to engage with constituents in the community and gain firsthand insights into how I can better represent you in Albany. Consequently, there was little news emerging from New York State government. However, amidst the ongoing turmoil surrounding New York City’s migrant crisis, an intriguing development unfolded. New York City had proposed a law allowing residents of all citizenship statuses to vote in municipal elections, extending voting rights even to undocumented migrants who are non-citizens. While this notion stirred understandable outrage, it has been halted, at least temporarily. Thankfully, a state appeals court deemed the measure unconstitutional, siding with common sense. Granting illegal aliens the right to vote undermines the bedrock of democratic governance and the rule of law. Citizenship serves as the cornerstone for participating in a nation’s electoral processes, ensuring that those who have a stake in the country’s future and abide by its laws have a voice in its governance. Extending voting rights to illegal aliens not only disregards the principles of sovereignty and legal immigration but also diminishes the voices of lawful citizens who have earned their right to shape the nation’s policies and leadership. It establishes a perilous precedent by incentivizing illegal immigration and ignoring the significance of legal pathways to citizenship. Furthermore, it undermines the integrity of the electoral system, creating opportunities for manipulation and fraud. Preserving the sanctity of citizenship and the rule of law is crucial for upholding the democratic values upon which our society is founded. My own parents courageously immigrated to this country, diligently navigating the naturalization process to become citizens and enjoy the full rights and protections afforded by this status. Many Americans today share similar migration experiences. Our nation boasts a proud history of welcoming individuals into its borders, a sentiment echoed in our state’s ethos. However, the present confusion and disarray stemming from inadequate federal and state immigration guidelines demand attention. Our current trajectory is unsustainable, and while the recent court decision in favor of fair democracy is a victory, we must remain vigilant as future challenges are inevitable. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo, and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe, and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com.