The following is from Just the News.

The Los Angeles City Council has voted to place a measure on the Nov. 3 ballot that would allow noncitizens to vote in local elections.

The proposal, introduced by Council member Hugo Soto-Martinez, now goes to voters for approval. Supporters point to other California cities, including San Francisco, that allow noncitizens to participate in certain local elections.

Soto-Martinez said that even if voters approve the measure, it would not take effect immediately. A future ordinance would still need to be adopted by the council and signed by the mayor.

“This gives us the time and flexibility to get it right, to build in safeguards, to protect people’s security and to ensure any policy can withstand legal challenges.”

– Hugo Soto-Martinez, Los Angeles City Council Member

The proposal drew criticism from Los Angeles County Republican Party Chair Roxanne Hoge, who said voting should remain a right reserved for US citizens.

Hoge, a naturalized American citizen originally from Jamaica, said earning the right to vote is an important part of becoming an American citizen.

“As a naturalized American citizen, the right to vote in this country’s elections is incredibly important to me.”

– Roxanne Hoge, Los Angeles County Republican Party Chair

She also argued that allowing noncitizens to vote could undermine confidence in California’s election system.

“Giving noncitizens the ability to vote in our elections is a logistical nightmare that would erode trust in our already-tainted system in California and is wrong,”

– Roxanne Hoge, Los Angeles County Republican Party Chair

Los Angeles voters are expected to decide the measure in the November election.

For more information, read the full article here.