Los Angeles Mayoral Candidates Debate Voting Rights for Non-Citizens

During a debate on Wednesday night, candidates for Los Angeles mayor showcased sharp contrasts over a pivotal question: Should non-citizens be permitted to vote in local elections? This question stirred some tension as the discussion unfolded.

In the session led by NBC4 and Telemundo, the moderator, Enrique Chiabra, insisted on a straightforward yes-or-no response. Democratic Mayor Karen Bass sidestepped this, stating, “It depends,” while her Republican opponent, Spencer Pratt, responded with a definitive “no.”

As the dialogue approached the topic, it became evident that this debate is part of a broader discussion among Los Angeles City Council members, who are considering putting the issue on the November ballot.

Bass defended her position by suggesting that “non-citizen” can encompass individuals with legal residency. “When I say non-citizen, it doesn’t mean they’re illegal. They could have a green card,” Bass explained. She emphasized that various states and cities allow non-citizens to participate in certain local elections, so she’d need to wait and see the specific proposals from city council members.

Continuing the theme of hesitance, City Councilor Nitya Raman, also a Democratic candidate, avoided a direct answer, saying, “Again, it depends.” She pointed out that in certain contexts, non-citizens can indeed vote, like in school board elections.

Pratt reiterated his stance with a simple “no” and remains a prominent contender among the 13 candidates running for the mayoral seat.

The primary election is set for June 2nd, followed by the general election on November 3rd. The conversation around non-citizen voting seems poised to influence the upcoming contests significantly.