On March 20, 2025, New York’s highest court issued a major ruling, declaring that noncitizens cannot partake in New York City elections. This decision, led by Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, emphasizes that the New York state constitution does not permit either local or state legislative bodies to authorize noncitizen voting.
The decision, stemming from the case Fossella v. Adams, concluded with a 6-1 vote, overturning a previously proposed measure allowing approximately 800,000 noncitizens to vote in specific local elections. The majority opinion highlighted that this move contravenes Article II, Section 1 of the state constitution, which clearly defines voting rights comprehensively within the citizenry. For more information on this decision, the ruling can be explored further here.