We believe in the American tradition of “no taxation without representation.” Non-citizens pay taxes, so they should have the right to vote. Non-citizens also contribute to New Brunswick’s local economy, work alongside us, and send their children to our schools. They should have a say in our local government.

Yes! From the nation’s founding in 1776 until 1924, 33 states allowed non-citizens to vote in local, state and even federal elections. Starting in the early 1900s, though, a few states criminalized it. Over the past 30 years, individual cities have reinstated the right for non-citizens to vote in local elections.

In New Jersey, the state constitution is silent on whether noncitizen voting rights can be expanded at the local level.

Yes! Currently, non-citizens can vote in local elections in 17 cities, including Washington DC, San Francisco, Oakland, CA, 10 cities in Maryland and 3 in Vermont. In all these cities, noncitizen voting has created a more welcoming atmosphere for immigrants, and made parents more engaged in the academic lives of their kids

No. This ballot initiative only allows them to vote in local elections. There are many benefits of citizenship that only citizens can access, like voting in national elections or receiving social security. There is still a strong incentive to go through the citizenship process.

Young people are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week. They also pay taxes. If we believe in, “no taxation without representation,” then they should have the right to vote and participate in the civic life of New Brunswick. Young people have a particularly strong interest in participating in school board elections, since they attend those schools. Newark, NJ already allows 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local elections.

No. Peer-reviewed research by Daniel Hart, Markus Wagner and others shows 16- and 17-year-olds are about as mature, informed, concerned and engaged as older voters. As such, they should experience the rights and responsibilities of civic participation.

Noncitizens and young people have the same needs as anyone else. We all want good schools, affordable housing, healthcare, effective transportation, stable infrastructure, etc. Giving noncitizens the right to vote does not just give them a greater voice in political affairs - it gives you a greater voice.