After initial concerns, New York City mayor Eric Adams is now fully supporting a controversial bill passed under his predecessor that grants green card holders the right to vote in local elections.
In a statement, Adams said after some dialogue with colleagues in government he realize that allowing the bill to pass is the best choice.
“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 said.
“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. 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,” Adams added.
Earlier, Adams said one provision of the bill that bothers him is the 30-day voting to green card holders.
“One part of the bill I’m concerned about, the 30-day part. If someone is in the city for 30 days, they have the right to vote. That’s problematic to me,” he said.
It can be recalled that the legislation was passed by a large majority of the City Council early last month.
Based on the controversial legislation, people will be required to reside in the five boroughs for at least 30 days to be able to vote.
“I understand the importance of local elections but to give that power to someone that’s here for 30 days, I think that’s problem. And I need to, in the next couple of days, make a determination of what we’re going to do,” he added.
According to reports, almost 800,000 New Yorkers are covered under the legislation, largely green card holders.
The legislation does not allow lawful permanent residents or people with the authorization to work who aren’t citizens to participate in federal or state elections.
The primary sponsor of the bill was Adams’ transportation commissioner and major backer, former Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Manhattan).
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