This afternoon, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) joined Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R,C,I,SAM,ROS-Mahopac) and their Minority colleagues for a press conference focused on protecting and safeguarding New York elections.

The event comes on the heels of the New York City Council passing legislation that will allow green card holding non-citizens to vote in local elections for mayor, city council and other various offices. Republicans are proposing a constitutional amendment (A.9095) clarifying that the right to vote is enshrined for only American citizens.

“Today, I was proud to join my colleagues in advocating for the protection of our elections. In New York City, up to 800,000 non-citizens will be allowed to vote in local elections this year if this is implemented and legal challenges are unsuccessful,” said Walsh. “The sanctity of our elections is at stake if we open this Pandora’s box of letting non-United States citizens vote. Not only is this policy dangerous for election security but it has cheapened the hard work and sacrifices of the thousands of immigrants who have gone through the proper channels in becoming naturalized citizens. Let’s pass A.9095 in the Legislature and let the voters of our state decide on this issue of election security through a ballot referendum.”