By Dominic Rapini, American Businessman and Political Commentator 

The Ballot Box: For Citizens Only, Please

In the grand theater of democracy, the right to vote is the star of the show—a privilege earned by those who pledge allegiance to the nation. Yet, a curious subplot has emerged: the push to extend voting rights to non-citizens. While inclusivity is a noble goal, allowing non-citizens to vote threatens the very foundation of our sovereignty and diminishes the value of citizenship.

A Brief Tour of Non-Citizen Voting Initiatives

Let’s embark on a journey across the United States, where various locales have flirted with the idea of non-citizen voting:

• New York City: In 2021, the city council passed a law permitting over 800,000 legal non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. However, this law was struck down by the state’s Court of Appeals in 2025, which ruled it unconstitutional, emphasizing that voting is a right reserved for citizens.

• Washington, D.C.: Our nation’s capital allows non-citizens, including undocumented immigrants, to vote in local elections. This means foreign nationals can influence policies in the very heart of our country—a scenario that should make any patriot’s eyebrows rise.

• San Francisco, California: The city permits non-citizens, specifically parents or guardians of school-aged children, to vote in school board elections. While education is vital, allowing non-citizens to vote on public matters sets a concerning precedent.

• Maryland and Vermont: Several municipalities in these states have opened local election voting to non-citizens, further muddying the waters of electoral integrity.

Connecticut’s Foray into Non-Citizen Voting

Closer to home, Connecticut has seen proposals to amend its constitution to allow non-citizens to vote in state and municipal elections. State Representative Juan Candelaria introduced such a bill in 2023 and 2024, aiming to grant voting rights to the estimated 240,000 immigrants in the state, half of whom are undocumented. While the bill was unlikely to pass, it sparked a debate on the essence of citizenship and voting rights.

The Slippery Slope to Sovereignty Erosion

Allowing non-citizens to vote is akin to handing over the keys of your house to a neighbor—no matter how friendly—without expecting them to respect your rules. Voting is not just a civic duty; it’s a cornerstone of self-determination. When non-citizens influence local policies, it dilutes the voice of actual citizens and undermines the concept of a government “by the people, for the people.”

The Call to Action

Fellow citizens, it’s time to stand firm. The right to vote is a privilege that comes with citizenship—a bond that ties us to our nation’s destiny. Let’s ensure that this sacred privelige remains exclusive to those who have committed themselves to the United States. Engage in local discussions, reach out to your representatives, and advocate for policies that uphold the sanctity of citizenship. Together, we can safeguard our democracy and ensure a bright future for all Americans.

Remember, in the grand play of democracy, only citizens should have a speaking role at the ballot box.
Let’s keep it that way.

Copyright (C) 2025 Dominic For CT. All rights reserved.