http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/2011/2011_12_13_ln%20111213%20Destef.mp3
New Haven has been called a sanctuary city because its policies are welcoming to its illegal immigrant population like the Elm City resident ID card.
Now, Mayor John DeStefano now wants to see all residents above 18 have the ability to vote, including the undocumented. Click on the audio link on the left to hear his interview with WNPR's Lucy Nalpathanchil.
There are an estimated 10,000 illegal immigrants in New Haven. And Mayor Destefano believes more than half of them would be interested in local elections.
"I think what's important to these folks is working, paying taxes, hoping for better thing for their children and being active members of our community which includes voting."
That's why he's planning to lobby state lawmakers in the upcoming Session to support a measure that would allow illegal immigrants in his city to vote in municipal elections. He contends an amendment to the state constitution would not be necessary.
"In order for New Haven to allow all residents to vote in municipal elections we would need permissive language from the Connecticut General Assembly. That said we aren't interested in what other communities want to or don't want to do, that's their business. So if it's a pilot program for New Haven, that would make sense for us as far as I'm concerned."
Other communities in the U.S have passed similar laws to allow non-citizens to vote including Tacoma Park Maryland.
For more on this story, go to our news partner, The New Haven Independent
