Empowering Our Community:
The Case for Permanent Resident Voting Rights in Massachusetts
In the vibrant communities of Massachusetts, strength lives in our diversity, where every resident contributes to the fabric of our towns and cities. Effective local democracy is rooted in inclusivity. If local policies are seen as representative of our population, it lends stability to our communities. Yet, a significant segment of our population – permanent residents, "green card" holders – remains disenfranchised in local policy choice. My town of Brookline has voted twice to allow our permanent resident neighbors to vote, but as of today these community members remain without voting rights. This long-standing issue raises a crucial question: Shouldn't those who live in, work in, and pay taxes to our municipalities have some say in how their community is governed?
A Community's Struggle: Brookline's Pursuit for Inclusive Voting Rights
While the U.S. Constitution has been interpreted to prohibit non-citizens such as permanent residents from voting in federal elections, this federal restriction does not apply to our state and local elections. The Constitution allows states considerable leeway in determining voter eligibility and historically, non-citizen voting was common in our country until a rise in nativist sentements at the early 20th century. Reinstating this practice at the local level would be a return to historical norms within the constitutional framework. In Brookline and across Massachusetts, the absence of legislation allowing permanent residents to vote in local elections is not a matter of federal barrier, but rather state legislative initiative. States and municipalities have the power to enfranchise permanent residents in local decision-making processes. Many already do so, including communities such as Oakland, CA, San Franciso, CA, and the District of Columbia. In Brookline, Town Meeting Members have twice passed legislation, once in 2014 and again in 2022, to allow permanent residents the right to vote in our town elections. The Massachusetts legislature has not approved these Home Rule Petitions to become law, resulting in a portion of our neighbors in Brookline being blocked from the opportunity to participate fully in our community.
Taxation and Democratic Representation
Ingrained in American history is the principle of 'no taxation without representation', as is our belief that democracy empowers us to contribute positively to societal development and participate actively in our communities. Although limited to certain groups at the founding of our nation, over time the right to vote has been extended to include a broader segment of the population, including women, people of African descent, and 18 to 21-year-olds. Each of these efforts aligned us more closely with the principle of representation for all taxpayers. We face a similar scenario today. Permanent residents contribute to our collective government through taxes yet do not have representation in local matters that affect their daily lives. By denying our permanent resident neighbors, who participate fully in the community in every other way, the right to express their voices in our democratic community decision making processes, we are overlooking a fundamental principle upon which the United States was built.
The Benefits of Enfranchising Permanent Residents
Enabling permanent residents to vote in local elections is not simply about perfecting our democracy; it's about strengthening Massachusetts. When all residents are involved in the electoral process, it leads to benefts for our community, some of which are unique to the Commonwealth:
- Economic Contributions: Per Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation analysis, decades of declining birth rates and the exodus of hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents has historically been counterbalanced by international immigration, which sustained the growth of both the state's population and economy. This trend as turned negative, and projections suggest that our state's growth may start to decline by the decade's end. Green card holders are often skilled workers, entrepreneurs, or professionals who contribute significantly to the local economy. They create jobs by starting businesses, bring diverse skill sets to the workforce, and contribute to tax revenues. Their economic activities stimulate local markets, leading to more vibrant and prosperous communities. The upcoming years are crucial in determining whether Massachusetts can successfully navigate these challenges to attract and maintain a talented workforce, ensuring continued competitiveness on the global stage.
Source: Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
- Education and Talent Pool Expansion: Additionally, green card holders often bring high levels of education and specialized skills, enriching the local talent pool. Communities known for their inclusivity and cultural richness tend to attract more talent and investment, further enhancing their appeal. Though simple changes made by our legislature, Massachusetts can become more attractive to those businesses looking for a skilled permanent workforce, potentially leading to more job creation and economic growth.
- Enhanced Community Engagement: Permanent residents bring unique perspectives that can lead to more effective local governance. This diversity fosters innovation, as a more engaged and representative electorate leads to better decision-making at the local level. Green card holders, as long-term residents, have a vested interest in the well-being of their communities. By having the opportunity to participate in local elections, they can influence decisions that affect their daily lives, from education to local infrastructure. Their engagement can lead to policies that better reflect the needs of the our entire community.
A Call to Action for Legislators
Permanent resident voting at the municipal level does diminish the importance of voting for citizens. It is an affirmation of our American values that has been successfully implemented in communities across America. It's time for our own legislators to take this step forward. The enactment of permanent resident voting rights in Brookline and Massachusetts is a chance to lead by example and to show that our community values every voice. This is not just about giving permanent residents a right; it's about giving our community the full benefits of their participation.
If you feel the same way, please contact the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Election Laws at this link or your state legislator to ask them to pass Home Rule Petitions for permanant resident voting when asked to do so by their communities.
As we strive to build a more inclusive Brookline and Massachusetts, let's remember that the strength of a democracy is measured by the participation of its people. Extending voting rights to permanent residents is a step towards a more democratic, fair, and representative community. Let’s embrace this opportunity to uphold the values of equality and representation that are at the heart of our society.