Santa Ana might allow people who aren’t U.S. citizens to vote in municipal elections. Two council members, Johnathan Hernandez and Benjamin Vasquez, brought the idea forward.
Supporters say Santa Ana’s large community of noncitizens, including illegal immigrants, should be able to vote because they often pay taxes and are part of the local economy.
Others say voting should only remain open to U.S. citizens. Nearly one-fourth of Santa Ana residents are not U.S. citizens.
In San Francisco, noncitizens are allowed to vote in school board elections.