Updated: 03/12/2007 02:27:40 PM

Proposed constitutional amendment would allow non-citizens to vote


A constitutional amendment introduced today in the Minnesota House would allow non-citizen residents to vote in local elections, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has confirmed.

The ballot measure would read: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to allow local units of government to authorize permanent resident non-citizens to vote in local government elections?"

The bill is sponsored by all DFLers: Rep. Phyllis Kahn, Minneapolis, Rep. Jim Davnie, Minneapolis, Rep. Carlos Mariani, St. Paul, and Rep. Frank Hornstein, Minneapolis.

More than half of 2008 voters would have to vote yes on the amendment for it to become part of the state's constitution.

Illegal immigrants would not be permitted to vote under the measure.

The proposal comes after Take Action Minnesota's move to ask St. Paul city council candidates their opinions on a similar change in the city.

Most legislators and the Governor have not yet expressed their opinions on this topic.

Please email us your thoughts on this proposal


http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S37204.shtml?cat=89