Boston resident Jill Jacobson joined ‘FOX & Friends First’ to discuss why she believes the president is disconnected from voters as Boston grapples with a surge of illegal immigration. The self-proclaimed sanctuary city of Boston is considering a resolution that would allow immigrants with “legal status” to vote in local elections – a proposal that reportedly has gained support from the majority of Boston city councilors and was weighed during a council meeting on Tuesday.
Councilor Kendra Lara introduced the home rule petition, which was debated during a Tuesday afternoon hearing among fellow councilors, immigration advocates, and city election officials, The Boston Herald reported. “We have people who, despite not being given a voice in their local government through the ballot, have worked, sacrificed, and invested in their neighborhoods, and all people should have a say in the decisions that impact their daily lives,” Lara reportedly said.
The proposal draws inspiration from a similar policy already in effect in Tacoma Park, Maryland, where immigrants “regardless of their legal status” have the right to vote in municipal elections. Tacoma Park, with a population of over 17,000 residents, has approximately 347 registered noncitizen voters, making up roughly 20% of those registered. The number of immigrants in Boston, with a population of over 650,000 residents, is likely much higher.
During the council meeting, Jessie Carpenter, a city clerk for Tacoma Park, presented Boston councilors with details of the policy implementation in her jurisdiction. In Tacoma Park, immigrants are not asked about their legal status when they register to vote and are simply asked for proof of identity and city residency. The city keeps their information in a simple Excel spreadsheet, updating the list of eligible voters as non-citizens move.
However, implementing a similar policy in Boston, a much larger city, could present logistical challenges. Elections Commissioner Eneida Tavares expressed concerns about maintaining two separate databases without causing confusion. Tavares suggested using the secretary of state’s database as a preferred method for housing voter information.
Critics of the proposal raised concerns about noncitizens mistakenly being allowed to vote in state or federal elections, potentially jeopardizing their pathway to citizenship. City Councilor Liz Breadon emphasized the need for careful consideration to avoid any mistakes that could impact immigrants’ legal status.
The push to allow immigrants with “legal status” to vote comes amidst Massachusetts’ struggle to handle the influx of migrants from the southern border. Democratic Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of emergency and activated the state National Guard to manage the crisis. Boston received a $1.9 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist migrants with shelter and transportation.
In response to the crisis, Massachusetts House Democrats proposed a $2.8 billion spending bill, allocating $250 million to provide shelter for vulnerable families, including an overflow site for homeless families. Republicans attempted to block the bill, criticizing the “one-party monopoly” and calling for a formal debate.
The Boston proposal’s specific vetting process for noncitizen voters remains unclear, raising questions about how Boston election officials would ensure the eligibility of those with “legal status.”
As the debate continues, Boston residents and policymakers grapple with the complex issues surrounding immigration, voting rights, and the impact on local communities.
