Record #: R2021-780   
Type: Resolution Status: Failed to Pass
Intro date: 6/25/2021 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Final action: 5/24/2023
Title: Call for opposition to legislative, administrative or practical efforts to exclude noncitizens from voting in local elections
Sponsors: Lightfoot, Lori E. , Cardenas, George A., Villegas, Gilbert
Attachments: 1. R2021-780.pdf
Related files: R2023-766


OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
LORI E. LIGHTFOOT MAYOR

June 25,2021










TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO


Ladies and Gentlemen:

I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Cardenas and Villegas, a resolution opposing the disenfranchisement of City residents who are not U. S. citizens.

Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The City of Chicago is home to more than 500,000 immigrants and enjoys, and benefits greatly from, the diversity and innovation that immigrants contribute to our City; and

WHEREAS, Chicago is a welcoming city that strives to empower immigrant communities;
and

WHEREAS, the Chicago Off ice of New Americans works to create economic development opportunities, protect community well-being, and improve access to city resources and services for our immigrant communities; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago New Americans Plan outlines civic engagement initiatives that the City will undertake, including an initiative to encourage civic participation; and

WHEREAS, All those living in Chicago, regardless of citizenship status, are affected by local and state governmental policies, legislation, and administrative decisions; and
WHEREAS, All residents, regardless of citizenship status, pay local taxes, but undocumented residents have diminished rights in the decision-making process on these taxes; and

WHEREAS, Local elections are considered non-State elections and are not subject to the citizenship requirement of the Illinois Constitution; and
WHEREAS, Since 1989, the City of Chicago has allowed noncitizens who are parents, legal guardians, or temporary custodians of Chicago Public Schools students to vote in local school council elections; and

WHEREAS, Several cities allow noncitizens to vote in local elections, including ten towns in Maryland, and San Francisco which allows noncitizens to vote in local school board elections; and
WHEREAS, Cities like Washington D.C. and...

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