Re: the Davnie/Kahn effort to pass legislation allowing permanent residents (non-citizens) to vote in local elections (i.e. in Minneapolis), here's my two-cents:
If permanent residents (non-citizens) want to vote-- even in local elections, let them become citizens; it's not that difficult and many educational and social service organizations provide services to facilitate the process. Local elections determine local political leadership, taxing and spending priorities and decisions. If permanent resident, non-citizens, aren't interested in becoming citizens, why should we be interested in giving them voting rights? It's a two-way street; if they want equal representation, let them take the steps necessary and become a citizen. Permanent residents (non-citizens) working in this country pay witholding taxes and can collect social security upon retirement. I'd say they benefit, roughly, to the same extent as citizens from other taxes paid. If they feel slighted or cheated, they can become a citizen and vote on issues of importance to them. And, speaking for myself, xenophobia has nothing to do with my position on these matters. Citizenship and the associated right-to-vote imply a degree of allegiance to our country and the fundamental principles that underlie our republic, i.e. the Bill of Rights and the Constitution for starters. I don't feel that non-citizens should, through voting-rights, have influence on social and fiscal policy at the local level. You must be a citizen to hold office and you should be a citizen to hold voting rights. Citizenship, what's it worth? BTW, do we still teach citizenship in jr/sr high school in Mpls.? I urge all lawmakers to avoid the Davnie/Kahn path regarding voting rights. Michael Hohmann Linden Hills > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:mpls-admin@;mnforum.org]On Behalf Of > Phyllis Kahn > Sent: Monday, October 21, 2002 4:53 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: RE: [Mpls] Voting by Non-Citizens - by mail or in person > > > Rep. Jim Davnie and I put in two bills to permit permanent residents > (non-citizens) to vote in local elections. HF 2448 authorized it and HF > 2453 permitted local governments to authorize it. We did not get > hearings but will introduce them and try again next session. It requires > a state constitutional amendment even for local elections. My guess is > that the xenophobic factor statewide would have to come way down to pass > either. But I will certainly try. > > Phyllis Kahn State Rep 59B snip _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
