Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

LA Council Approves 2026 Ballot for Noncitizen Local Voting

6/21/2026

31 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Soto-Martinez Backs Noncitizen Voting

Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez framed the measure as giving long-term legal residents a voice in local elections.
The Los Angeles City Council voted 10-5 to place a noncitizen voting measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Supporters say DACA recipients and TPS holders could vote in city and school races.
Permanent residents and active asylum applicants should be allowed to vote locally, supporters say.

Right

Musk Blasts

Elon Musk blasted the Los Angeles City Council’s plan, claiming the city has “imported voters to win.”
The Los Angeles City Council approved the noncitizen voting measure on a 10-5 vote within a charter reform package.
Roxanne Hoge, Los Angeles County Republican Party chair, called the vote an affront to Americans.
Senator Mike Lee argued the measure empowers illegal immigrants against ICE and federal enforcement.

History

Historical Context

In November 2016 San Francisco approved Proposition N, letting non-citizen residents vote in city school-board elections; it passed with 54% after a 2010 effort (Proposition D) failed. The success gave Los Angeles City Council a precedent, leading to a 10-5 vote in 2024 to place a similar measure for the November 3, 2026 ballot. Both illustrate a municipal trend toward expanding immigrant voting rights.

1 of 3

Soto-Martinez Backs Noncitizen Voting

Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez framed the measure as giving long-term legal residents a voice in local elections.
The Los Angeles City Council voted 10-5 to place a noncitizen voting measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
Supporters say DACA recipients and TPS holders could vote in city and school races.
Permanent residents and active asylum applicants should be allowed to vote locally, supporters say.

1 / 3