By Bob Katzen

The Elections Laws Committee held a hearing on a measure that would allow legal non-citizens over the age of 18 to vote in local municipal elections, participate and vote in town meetings and to run for municipal office.

Sponsor Rep. Samantha Montano (D-Boston) said this new law would apply to legal non-citizens including Green Card holders and students with visas. “Immigrants are productive members of Massachusetts and should be able to take part in the political activities of their municipalities,” said Montano. “These are documented individuals who pay taxes that directly support their municipal infrastructure. Many parents with immigrant backgrounds aren’t able to participate or aid in their children’s educational experience outside of providing testimony. Additionally, in municipalities that are heavily populated by specific ethnicities, such as the Brazilian population in Framingham or the Cape Verde population in Brockton, this legislation would give these groups proper representation.”
“Currently, immigrant populations are being attacked,” continued Montano. “As such, it is important now more than ever to give these documented populations a voice. This country was founded by immigrants and is rich in cultural diversity because of it.”