Burlington City Council approves noncitizen voting

The Burlington City Council has passed a resolution to let noncitizens vote in the city's elections.

Independent Councilor Adam Roof had pushed the proposal starting this fall to expand voting rights. He has said that everyone who lives in Burlington, regardless of citizenship status, is impacted by decisions made by the local government. Therefore, they should have a say in what goes on in their city.

Kurt Wright, R-Burlington City Council president, was the only councilor who voted against the proposal Monday.

Voters will now decide in March 2020 if legal, noncitizen people can vote in city elections.

The charter change must also be approved by the Vermont Legislature. A similar charter change for Montpelier was approved by the House in April but stalled in the Senate. Gov. Phil Scott has said he isn't sold on the idea.