Last month, Burlington City Council passed a resolution to allow noncitizens to vote in the city’s elections.

Burlington City Councilor Adam Roof proposed the resolution arguing that because noncitizens made contributions to the city’s base tax and are affected by local government decisions, they should be able to vote regardless of citizenship.

“Opening up the opportunity to vote on local issues to more Burlington residents is a viable way to limit barriers to our democratic process, and I believe there is a way to accomplish voter rights while remaining in line with the rule of law and in line with our stated values,” Roof said. 

Councilor Ali Dieng, who immigrated to the United States from Mauritania, West Africa, voted against the resolution, stating that the city should be focusing on improving participation among residents who are already citizens. He also voiced concerns about revisiting an idea that was already rejected in 2015.

The idea was rejected by Burlington voters in 2015 in a 58%-42% vote.

“Voting is sacred, let’s help people with the pathway to citizenship,” Dieng stated. “If you become a citizen, let’s educate them about their right to show up and vote.” 

Burlington resident Jeff Comstock stated he was against the resolution. “There is a path to citizenship for a reason, and the right to vote is one of the most valuable prizes,” said Comstock.

The question will be added to the town neeting’s day ballot in March 2020.