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...
Click here for full text