On August 7, Greenbelt City Council convened a worksession with the city’s Board of Elections (BOE) on the possibility of introducing amendments to the City Charter and City Code that would allow non-citizens to vote in municipal elections. In 2023, around two-thirds of the city’s registered voters supported the idea in a non-binding question. At the worksession, BOE presented their first draft of these possible amendments for council deliberation. BOE was represented primarily by chair Steve Gilbert and member Beth Terry.
Mayor Emmett Jordan stated that the spirit of this initiative reflects the city’s commitment to inclusiveness and the desire for the enfranchisement of all the city’s residents. If approved, council and BOE were eager to have these measures in place by the next city election, November 2025.
In regard to the Charter, it would require an entirely new section. The Charter’s language was adjusted for greater clarity in existing sections. Another new section would instruct the city clerk to prepare and make available a list of qualified non-citizen voters, as is done for citizens. A new amendment would give the city’s BOE responsibility for handling any challenges to the registration.
In the City Code, the major changes were: all who are eligible to register with the county’s Board of Elections must register with that agency, in accordance with state and city law; non-citizen city residents may register with the city clerk’s office to vote in city elections; and a non-citizen must be over 16 and must file a registration application at least 30 days before the election. In addition, documents are required that verify residence, such as a Maryland driver’s license or similar government identification, a utility bill or a mortgage or lease showing an interest in property. If these documents are not available, an affidavit proving city residence is required.
Gilbert said that in this process, making as few changes as possible is preferred.
In answer to a question from Jordan, Gilbert explained that the city’s Charter functions much like the state and federal Constitution, laying out the framework of government, while the city’s Code consists of laws. Gilbert said that the Maryland Constitution allows great independence for municipalities to develop their own processes of governance. Jordan made a request to staff to find out any possible limits from the county and/or state in city legislation.
There was a debate on using the term “corporate limits,” as laid out in the draft, this being a requirement for voting. Some areas of the city exist in a gray area. The final consensus was that the language should remain for now, as it was the most legally clear for the moment.
An important implication of this provision is the notion that non-citizens may include those who have undocumented immigration status, among other circumstances. There was concern on the council that a list of non-citizen voters could be used to alert immigration authorities. Gilbert assured them that one’s immigration status is not part of this and will not be requested or recorded; the new ordinances will apply to all non-citizens. It was pointed out by all that voter lists are publicly available.
Terry said that BOE looked at similar measures being taken in Hyattsville, Riverdale Park and Takoma Park. The registration form may be modeled after the one for Hyattsville.
Equity of rights for citizens as well as non-citizens was of primary concern to BOE and council, with resident Cynthia Newcomer suggesting a process for non-citizens be as easy to navigate as possible.
Residents Frankie Fitz and Newcomer felt that same-day registration should be a long-term goal for city elections as well.
In the case of someone falsifying a city voter registration, which Gilbert said was akin to perjury, the idea of imposing similar penalties as the county was deemed possible by Gilbert.
There was a debate on the nebulous area, where someone who was under 16 but would be eligible on the day of the city election would be allowed to vote. Consensus was that this was a fair provision and that the exact language would need to be worked out further if it is to be included formally in the city’s election process.
Council requested that BOE prepare a new draft of these amendments for first reading at the next council meeting. Council was deeply appreciative of BOE for their focus and efforts in this matter.