Blue state's top court strikes down law allowing non-citizens to vote

Fox News - Mar 20th, 2025

The New York Court of Appeals has blocked a controversial law that would have allowed non-citizens to vote in local elections. This decision comes from a 6-1 ruling against the law passed by New York City’s majority Democratic city council in 2021. The blocked legislation would have enabled nearly 1 million non-citizens to participate in municipal elections, including mayoral and city council races. The ruling reaffirms the state constitution's provision that limits voting rights strictly to U.S. citizens. Chief Judge Rowan Wilson articulated that the constitution clearly specifies voter eligibility is restricted to citizens, dismissing arguments that the law could be interpreted to include non-citizens.

The decision has significant implications for New York City, where non-U.S. citizens constitute about a third of the adult population. Proponents of the law argued that it addressed a critical democratic inclusion issue; however, opponents, including former NYC councilman Joe Borelli, contended it was unconstitutional and undermined citizen votes. This ruling not only underscores the constitutional interpretation but also highlights ongoing debates about voting rights and immigration policy in the U.S. Associate Judge Jenny Rivera was the only dissenting voice in the court, indicating a complex legal and political landscape surrounding voter eligibility laws in the state.

Eric Adams New York Court Of Appeals New York City Council Non Citizen Voting Municipal Elections Joe Borelli Rowan Wilson Jenny Rivera

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers a significant legal decision with implications for voting rights and immigration policy. It provides a clear and concise account of the New York Court of Appeals' ruling, supported by statements from key figures involved in the case. While the article is timely and addresses a topic of high public interest, it could benefit from a more balanced presentation of viewpoints and a wider range of sources. Enhancing transparency and providing more context about the legal arguments would strengthen its overall quality. Despite these areas for improvement, the story remains an impactful piece that contributes to ongoing debates about citizenship and electoral integrity.

Accuracy

The news story accurately reports the New York Court of Appeals' decision to block a law that would have allowed non-citizens to vote in local elections. The factual claim regarding the court's nearly unanimous decision is supported by the 6-1 vote, with only Associate Judge Jenny Rivera dissenting. Additionally, the story correctly identifies Chief Judge Rowan Wilson's statement that the New York state constitution restricts voting to citizens, reinforcing the decision's constitutional basis. However, the article could benefit from more detailed sourcing or direct quotes from the court documents to strengthen its factual grounding.

Balance

The article presents perspectives from both supporters and opponents of the law, such as Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and former NYC Councilman Joe Borelli, who celebrate the decision, and mentions the arguments of those in favor of the law. However, the article primarily focuses on the opposition's viewpoint, which could lead to perceived bias. Including more voices from those in favor of the law, particularly from city council members who supported it, would enhance balance.

Clarity

The article is clear and concise, effectively communicating the key points of the court's decision and its implications. The structure is logical, and the language is straightforward, making it easy for readers to understand the main issues. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations of legal terms or processes could enhance clarity for readers unfamiliar with legal proceedings.

Source quality

The article cites statements from notable figures like Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and Joe Borelli, which adds credibility. However, it lacks a diverse range of sources, relying heavily on Fox News Digital and not providing direct links to court documents or a variety of expert opinions. Incorporating a wider array of sources, such as legal experts or other media outlets, would improve the article's reliability.

Transparency

The article provides some context regarding the court's decision and the law's history but does not delve deeply into the methodology or reasoning behind the court's ruling. While it mentions the constitutional basis for the decision, it could be more transparent about the legal arguments presented in court or potential conflicts of interest among stakeholders.