School Board Holds Off on Non-Citizen Voters

The Los Angeles Board of Education has indefinitely delayed voting on a motion that calls for it to support in principle the right of non-citizens to vote in school board elections.

After an hour of often emotional testimony from parents and others, the board agreed this week to postpone the vote in order to allow more discussion and study on how the action could be implemented.

Approval of the measure, which was proposed by board member Leticia Quezada, would be largely symbolic because the action would likely require legislative approval. Non-citizens already exercise voting rights in several cities and states, including Chicago, New York City, and Takoma Park, Md.