Rhode Island bill would allow cities to permit illegal immigrants to vote in local elections

A bill working its way through the Rhode Island state government could if passed permit illegal immigrants to vote in local elections throughout the state.

H5461 would stipulate that "any city or town may, by ordinance, allow all residents of the municipality to vote in municipal elections for municipal officeholders regardless of the immigration status of the residents."

The bill was introduced by state Rep. Enrique Sanchez, who told the Providence Journal that non-citizens living in the state "still pay taxes, still have kids in the schools. They still have to drive around potholes and need police and fire services."

“Some neighborhoods like mine have lots of immigrants, and these whole neighborhoods have less of a voice because many people can’t vote," he said. 

The state assembly last year voted to permit illegal immigrants to obtain drivers' licenses as well.