Despite Critics, Mayor Adams Says Letting Non-citizens Vote is ‘Best Choice’

Mayor Adams stresses the importance of championing voting rights.(PJPH/Wikimedia Commons)

Mayor Adams shows support for NYC's controversial voting bill

New York City — Over the weekend, Mayor Adams gave legislation the green light to allow almost a million noncitizens the right to vote.

Despite concerns from critics and lawmakers, former Mayor de Blasio included, City Council approved the controversial “Our City, Our Vote” measure. As for Mayor Adams, he concedes the bill stands in need of working out a few "wrinkles."

“While I initially had some concerns about one aspect of the bill, I had a productive dialogue with my colleagues in government that put those concerns at ease," Adams says. "I believe allowing the legislation to be enacted is by far the best choice, and look forward to bringing millions more into the democratic process."

Over the weekend, critics attacked the mayor's support of the bill.

Perhaps Adams's describing the bill's enactment as "the best choice" is the key insight.

Because life seemingly presents countless choices for each decision, Mayor Adams borrowed a page from Nelson Mandela's leadership style. "May your choices reflect your hopes," Mandela said, "not your fears."

Mayor Adams hopes by giving voting rights to almost a million New Yorkers, though non-citizens, will mark a step in realizing his grand vision for the "new New York."

"I believe that New Yorkers should have a say in their government, which is why I have and will continue to support this important legislation," Adams says.

In short, though opponents vow to challenge the new voting law, unless a judge intervenes, New York City is set to become the first major U.S. city to give widespread voting rights to non-citizens.