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NewsNBC Los Angeles (KNBC) – LocalJune 30, 2026Los Angeles

Proposal to allow noncitizens to vote in LA elections delayed

The Los Angeles City Council has voted to delay a proposal that would have asked voters to consider allowing noncitizens to vote in local city elections. The measure was sent back to a committee for further review, with the goal of potentially placing it on a future ballot in 2028.

electionsvoting rightsimmigrationLos Angeles City Councilcharter reform
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Why It Matters

The decision removes the possibility of a ballot measure regarding noncitizen voting from the November election, shifting the timeline for potential policy changes to 2028 or later.

Key Facts

  • The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to send the noncitizen voting proposal back to the Ad Hoc Committee on Charter Reform.
  • The proposal will not appear on the November general election ballot.
  • The motion aimed to ask voters if the city should explore allowing noncitizens to vote in local mayoral and city council races.
  • The council is now aiming to potentially place the issue before voters in 2028.
  • Councilmembers expressed concerns regarding voter privacy, specifically the risk that voter information could be accessed by federal immigration authorities.
  • Concerns were raised about the potential impact of local voting on future naturalization applications for noncitizens.
  • Councilmembers noted the proposal had not undergone a formal review by the Charter Reform Committee prior to the vote.
  • Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Heather Hutt, John Lee, Tim McOsker, Adrin Nazarian, Traci Park, and Monica Rodriguez voted to send the matter to committee.

Who's Mentioned

organizationAd Hoc Committee on Charter Reform“The committee tasked with further reviewing the proposal.”personTraci Park“LA City Councilmember who requested more scrutiny and legal review.”personHugo Soto-Martinez“LA City Councilmember who introduced the motion.”personJohn Lee“LA City Councilmember who raised concerns about voter privacy and ICE.”organizationLos Angeles City Council“The governing body that voted to send the motion to committee.”locationCity District 13“District represented by Hugo Soto-Martinez.”organizationImmigration and Customs Enforcement“Federal agency cited as a potential risk to noncitizen voter privacy.”