“[Rhode Island’s constitution] affirmatively grants the right to vote to U.S. citizens of 18 years of age or older. It does not mean that people who do not meet those qualifications lose those rights”

— Sen. Sam Bell, D-Providence

(From the February 9, 2023, Providence Journal article, “Should non-citizens be allowed to vote in RI municipal elections? New bill would give cities, towns say.”)

A progressive Providence lawmaker wants non-citizens to be able to vote in local elections.

Bill H 5461, introduced by Rep. Enrique Sanchez, would authorize cities and towns to pass ordinances allowing all residents to vote in their municipal elections, regardless of immigration status.

“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,” Sanchez said in a statement. “Some neighborhoods like mine have lots of immigrants, and these whole neighborhoods have less of a voice because many people can’t vote.”

Rep. David Morales, a fellow progressive Providence Democrat, is the bill’s main co-sponsor, Sanchez said. Other co-sponsors include Reps. Karen Alzate and Jennifer Stewart of Pawtucket, Joshua Giraldo of Central Falls, Brianna Henries of East Providence and Nathan Biah of Providence. All are Democrats.

Read the entire article here.