The D.C. Council gave preliminary approval Tuesday to a bill that would allow non-citizen residents in the District, including undocumented immigrants, to vote in local elections, provided they meet the remaining requirements for voting in the District.
Non-citizens would be able to cast ballots in local races, including for mayor and the D.C. Council, but they would not be allowed to vote in federal elections.
D.C. would join several Maryland municipalities, including Hyattsville and Takoma Park, in allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections. It could affect an estimated 50,000 people.
On Wednesday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser — who in the past has supported similar legislation — expressed concerns.
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"This was something that I think the Council moved on without much input," Bowser said. "It wasn't the bill that was originally introduced, so I want to look very closely at how they determine who is eligible to vote."
The bill still needs a second vote by the D.C. Council before going to the mayor.
News4 spoke to a group of American University students who, like all college students who reside in the District, are eligible to vote in local elections 30 days after they move there.
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"Anything that can make local governments more representative, I'm all for it," on student said.
