NEW YORK (AP) — More than 800,000 noncitizens and “Dreamers” in New York City will have access to the ballot box as soon as next year after Mayor Eric Adams allowed legislation approved by the City Council to automatically become law. While there was some question whether Adams could stop the bill from becoming law, the 30-day time limit for the mayor to take action expired at the stroke of midnight. Opponents have said they plan to challenge the law in court. Unless courts intervene, New York City becomes the first major U.S. city to grant widespread municipal voting rights to noncitizens.
Photo: FILE – New York City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez speaks during a rally on the steps of City Hall ahead of a City Council vote to allow lawful permanent residents to cast votes in elections to pick the mayor, City Council members and other municipal officeholders, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
