Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I-Schoharie) is raising concerns following the enactment of a law in New York City allowing non-citizens to vote in the city’s elections, fearing it may be a sign of things to come from the Majority-dominated Legislature. He and many Minority lawmakers question the law’s constitutionality under the New York State Constitution. He expressed support for the lawsuit against the policy filed by Staten Island Borough President Vito Fosella, and numerous elected officials, including a member of the city council, Robert Holden.

“Our state constitution is clear that ‘every citizen shall be entitled to vote at every election,’ so I am hopeful this law will be recognized as unconstitutional on its face,” said Tague. “While this is a policy affecting New York City, I am deeply concerned this could be a sign of things to come for our state as a whole given the dominance of our Legislature by Majority lawmakers representing downstate interests. I am appalled by its disregard for our constitution and the integrity of our electoral process. We should be working to strengthen the faith people have in our elections by implementing policies like voter ID laws, not weakening the safeguards that protect them. If a similar policy ever picks up steam in the Assembly, you can rest assured I will do everything I can to fight its passage.”