By Waterz Yidana, Iowa City; Educator, City High School
What does it mean to be part of a community? For me, living in Iowa City as a lawful permanent resident means more than simply having a place to live. This is where I work, contribute, build relationships, and participate in my community. I am affected by the decisions made by local and state governments, just like my neighbors who are U.S. citizens. Yet I do not have the right to vote.
I believe that permanent residents who are deeply involved in their communities should have an opportunity to participate in local elections. Green card holders are not temporary visitors. They are permanent members of American communities. They work here, raise families here, pay taxes, own homes and businesses, and contribute in countless other ways. The decisions made by local governments can directly affect their jobs, families, schools, housing, transportation, and daily lives. Yet despite being permanent members of their communities, they have no voice at the ballot box.
This is not an entirely new idea in American history. Noncitizen voting was permitted in various states and territories at different points in the nation’s history. Today, some local governments also allow certain noncitizens to vote in local elections. These examples show that the question of voting rights for noncitizens has existed in American public life before and continues to be debated today.
Allowing green card holders to vote in local elections would not mean giving them U.S. citizenship. Citizenship would remain a distinct legal status with its own rights and responsibilities, including participation in federal elections. For many permanent residents, becoming a citizen can take years. In most cases, lawful permanent residents must wait at least five years before applying for naturalization, while some people married to U.S. citizens may qualify after three years. During that time, they can become deeply connected to their communities while still having no opportunity to vote in elections that affect their everyday lives.
Giving permanent residents a voice in local elections could also encourage greater civic engagement. People who know that their participation matters may have another reason to learn about local government, attend community meetings, understand local issues, and become more involved in the places they call home. I personally admire America’s history of welcoming people from around the world. President Ronald Reagan often spoke about America’s ability to welcome immigrants and give them the opportunity to become part of the country. That vision of America as a place where people from different backgrounds can build a future together is meaningful to me.
I am not asking for citizenship without the responsibilities that come with it. I am asking for recognition that permanent residents are already part of the communities where they live. If someone works in a community, pays taxes in that community, raises a family there, follows its laws, and builds a life there, it is reasonable to ask whether that person should have a voice in choosing the local leaders who make decisions affecting their lives. For permanent residents like me, the right to participate in local elections would not erase the distinction between citizenship and permanent residency. It would recognize our connection to the communities we call home. Iowa City has become part of my life. I hope that one day, people like me will have the opportunity to participate more fully in the democratic life of the communities we help build.
To submit a letter, email it to editor@littlevillagemag.com with your name and city of residence.
