City College Non-Citizen Students Could Soon Have Voting Rights

By Cassandra Young

Cyoun140@mail.ccsf.edu

San Francisco’s City College non-citizen students may soon gain the right to vote in campus elections, following a proposal by Trustee Alan Wong. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, the resolution would grant non-citizen students the ability to vote for the College’s Board of Trustees, giving them a voice in decisions that impact their education. Non-citizen student Diana Martin praised the proposal. “This initiative aligns with the progressive values of California and San Francisco,” Martin said. “Our city is home to educational institutions filled with students from around the world, many of whom are non-citizens. Voting gives them a chance to be heard and seen as agents of change.” City College serves a significant non-citizen population, who make up roughly 15% of San Francisco’s population, and supporters of the measure argue that extending voting rights to these students would increase their engagement and sense of belonging in the college community. “The sense of belonging to an institution should not be determined by nationality,” Martin said, adding, “All students should have the right to participate in decisions that affect them.” Wong proposed the measure after the California Court of Appeals voted to uphold Proposition N earlier this year. Proposition N allows non-citizen residents who are parents or guardians of children under 19 and living in the city to vote in board elections.The proposition was threatened after last year’s election when voters recalled school board members Alison Collins, Faauuga Moliga and Gabriella Lopez. The election had the highest participation of non-citizen voters since the program was implemented.The court ruled that Proposition N is permissible under the state’s constitution and City Charter.Wong introduced the non-citizen student resolution at the Board of Trustees meeting on April 25. Trustee Chisti suggested amendments that would expand voting rights to incarcerated individuals and lower the voting age to 16. After discussion, this amendment was dropped and it was suggested that it be brought up as a separate resolution. Another amendment, accepted as a clause to the resolution, requested the Board of Supervisors to financially support the measure if there were cost implications.Marlene Grant, a first-time student from Jamaica, expressed optimism about the impact the new voting program would have on the community.“This is good for people like me,” Grant said with a faint smile. “This will give us a voice. Many of us come here for a better life, and sometimes it’s hard to feel heard. With these changes, I believe more people like me will be able to speak up and find their place here.” The Board of Trustees voted unanimously on April 25 to accept the resolution and submit it to the Board of Supervisors for consideration as an amendment to the city charter.