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NewsNBC Los Angeles (KNBC) – PoliticsJune 30, 2026Los Angeles

Proposal to allow noncitizens to vote in LA elections delayed

The Los Angeles City Council has voted to delay a proposal that would have asked voters to consider allowing noncitizens to vote in local city elections. The measure was sent back to a committee for further review, with the goal of potentially placing it on a future ballot in 2028.

electionsvoting rightsimmigrationLos Angeles City Councilcharter reform
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Why It Matters

The decision removes the possibility of a ballot measure regarding noncitizen voting from the November election, shifting the timeline for potential policy changes to at least 2028.

Key Facts

  • The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to send the noncitizen voting proposal back to the Ad Hoc Committee on Charter Reform.
  • The proposal will not appear on the November general election ballot.
  • The motion aimed to ask voters if the city should explore allowing noncitizens to vote in local mayoral and city council races.
  • Councilmembers expressed concerns regarding voter privacy, specifically the potential for voter data to be accessed by federal immigration authorities.
  • Councilmembers noted that San Francisco warns noncitizen voters that their registration information may be obtained by ICE.
  • Councilmembers raised concerns that voting in local elections could impact a noncitizen's future naturalization process.
  • The proposal was sent to committee to allow for further public discussion, legal advice, and definition of eligibility requirements.
  • The city council is now aiming to potentially place the issue before voters in 2028.
  • Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, the motion's author, acknowledged that details need to be worked out but disagreed with the concerns raised by other councilmembers.

Who's Mentioned

organizationAd Hoc Committee on Charter Reform“The committee tasked with further reviewing the proposal.”organizationICE“Immigration and Customs Enforcement; cited as a potential risk to noncitizen vot”personTraci Park“LA City Councilmember who requested more scrutiny and legal review.”personHugo Soto-Martinez“LA City Councilmember who introduced the motion.”locationSan Francisco“City cited as a comparison for existing noncitizen voting policies.”personJohn Lee“LA City Councilmember who raised concerns about voter privacy and ICE.”organizationLos Angeles City Council“The governing body that voted to send the motion to committee.”