Several municipalities in the U.S. now allow non-citizen immigrants to vote in local elections, a step that promotes civic participation and community belonging. This project will study how these voting rights affect civic inclusion among non-citizen residents in Hyattsville, MD, Beltsville, MD, and San Francisco, CA. By exploring both the benefits and challenges of implementing local voting rights, the research aims to provide policymakers with insights into how voting access fosters community cohesion and strengthens democratic participation, particularly in immigrant-rich neighborhoods.
Research Questions
- How does local voting impact civic inclusion for noncitizens?
- What policies or practices support safe and effective noncitizen voter engagement?
- How do noncitizens perceive voting rights in relation to community belonging and legitimacy?
Through these findings, the study hopes to inform future policy on inclusive voting rights, supporting a democratic process that reflects the full diversity of local communities.