SENATOR WALCZYK CELEBRATES COURT RULING UPHOLDING VOTING INTEGRITY
March 20, 2025
New York State Senator Mark Walczyk is applauding the recent ruling by New York's top court after they struck down a law allowing noncitizens to vote in New York City elections.
The law, which would have made over 800,000 noncitizens eligible to vote in critical municipal elections, was challenged by a coalition of Republican leaders, including former New York City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli. The court’s 6-1 ruling affirmed the clear language of the state constitution, which states that “every citizen shall be entitled to vote,” emphasizing that voter eligibility is restricted to citizens of the United States. Walczyk, who serves as Ranker on the State Senate’s Elections Committee, thinks this was the right call.
"The ruling from the Court of Appeals represents a triumph for all New Yorkers who uphold the principles of our Constitution,” said Senator Walczyk. "Even a court with a progressive majority cannot overlook the fundamental truth that the sacred right to vote is reserved exclusively for American citizens. The Court's decision confirms our belief that expanding the franchise to noncitizens undermines the very foundation of our democratic system."
The law, which would have made over 800,000 noncitizens eligible to vote in critical municipal elections, was challenged by a coalition of Republican leaders, including former New York City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli. The court’s 6-1 ruling affirmed the clear language of the state constitution, which states that “every citizen shall be entitled to vote,” emphasizing that voter eligibility is restricted to citizens of the United States. Walczyk, who serves as Ranker on the State Senate’s Elections Committee, thinks this was the right call.
"The ruling from the Court of Appeals represents a triumph for all New Yorkers who uphold the principles of our Constitution,” said Senator Walczyk. "Even a court with a progressive majority cannot overlook the fundamental truth that the sacred right to vote is reserved exclusively for American citizens. The Court's decision confirms our belief that expanding the franchise to noncitizens undermines the very foundation of our democratic system."
The law was enacted under former Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration and was allowed to proceed without a veto from either him or his successor, Mayor Eric Adams. However, the courts have consistently upheld the conviction that our constitution is clear: only citizens have the right to vote, and any interpretation suggesting otherwise is fundamentally flawed.
Senator Walczyk has been a steadfast champion for fair elections and voter integrity. Since 2023, he has built a reputation for vigorously debating every Democratic elections bill presented on the floor, contending that the majority, facing declining popularity, have attempted to alter electoral rules to consolidate power and diminish the voice of the electorate. Furthermore, he advocated for measures that provide local Boards of Elections with greater flexibility in selecting locations for early voting stations.
"I've been accused of making this up - the majority is actively trying to register non-citizens to vote. Thank goodness the courts still read the Constitution and know voting is a right, a duty, and a privilege reserved for US Citizens. Not one single citizen's vote should be cancelled by a fraudulent ballot, cast by someone who's a guest in our country. Remind me, who is assaulting our democracy?" Walczyk asked.
"I've been accused of making this up - the majority is actively trying to register non-citizens to vote. Thank goodness the courts still read the Constitution and know voting is a right, a duty, and a privilege reserved for US Citizens. Not one single citizen's vote should be cancelled by a fraudulent ballot, cast by someone who's a guest in our country. Remind me, who is assaulting our democracy?" Walczyk asked.