Noncitizens banned from voting in federal elections but not some local races — Los Angeles Times

By Hannah Wiley and Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times

Marcela Rosas immigrated to Southern California from the Mexican state of Michoacán more than a decade ago in search of the American dream.

She imagined a life with a house for her three children, educational opportunities and the ability to have a say in her community. There’s one cornerstone of American life that Rosas, 52, hasn’t been able to access: voting.

Without the ability to elect local leaders, Rosas says she feels powerless to push for change that might improve her family’s quality of life, citing issues like rising housing costs and local taxes.

“If I had the opportunity to vote I could choose the people I want to represent me — people who understand my needs and my issues,” she said. “Without the right to vote I feel segregated from my community.”

Rosas is one of thousands living in Santa Ana who could have the chance to vote in local elections by 2028 if city voters in November pass a ballot measure granting noncitizens limited voting power.