Providence State Rep Enrique Sanchez has filed a bill that would allow residents of a Rhode Island community - but who are not citizens of the country, to vote in local but not national elections.
“We have lots of people who contribute to our economy and community, but they don’t have a say in their local government,” Representative Sanchez said. “If a city or town wants these individuals to be able to vote, they should have that right.”
Maryland and Vermont have passed similar measures to allow that kind of voting.
Now under the State Reps bill, a community would have to pass a local ordinance to make it happen.
“People living in our community might not be citizens, but they still pay taxes, still have kids in the schools. They still have to drive around potholes and need police and fire services,” said Representative Sanchez. “Some neighborhoods like mine have lots of immigrants, and these whole neighborhoods have less of a voice because many people can’t vote."
The bill is being scheduled for a hearing. No date has been set yet.
(Photo by KONSTANTINOS TSAKALIDIS/SOOC/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images