Voting is an important way for immigrants, including naturalized citizens, to have their voices heard. Learn more about the difference that your voice can make.
The Poll Site Language Assistance Program provides interpretation services in various languages at select poll sites. Click here for a list of participating poll sites.
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Municipal Voting
ALERT: Court Appeal on Municipal Voting Law for Non-Citizens
At this time, non-citizens cannot vote in any New York City municipal election. An appeal filed by the City of New York, through Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council, is currently pending at the Appellate Division, Second Department to review the decision by the Richmond County Supreme Court entered on June 27, 2022.
The municipal voting law, if passed, will allow New Yorkers who meet all other voting criteria the ability to vote in city-only elections, if they have a green card or have work authorization.
The law is not in effect yet.
You cannot register to vote yet. If passed, there will be a new registration process for noncitizen voters.
If passed, under the new law, you will be eligible to vote in city elections if:
Eligible noncitizens who register to vote will only be able to vote in city elections. That means you can only vote in elections for mayor, comptroller, public advocate, city council member, borough president, and citywide ballot measures. This includes primaries, and special, general, and run-off elections for city officials. Noncitizens cannot vote in state or federal elections.
If you need legal help, call our ActionNYC hotline at 800-354-0365. We can connect you to free and safe immigration legal services.
Community Boards
Community Boards are the first level of local government and consist of community volunteers appointed by Borough Presidents. They weigh in on matters that affect their community regarding a wide variety of issues.
For more information on community boards and to find your community board, visit the Civic Engagement Commission's Community Board page.
Participatory Budgeting
Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. This process is open to all New Yorkers, ages 11 and up, regardless of immigration status.
For more information on the participatory budgeting process, visit the City Council's Participatory Budgeting page and the Civic Engagement Commission's Participatory Budgeting page