Voting and Citizenship

Few news items are as inspiring as “Recall Vote Seen as Birth of a Movement” (Dec. 12). The events represent a triumph for the principle of self-determination, which is the basis of our Constitution and entire political system. For too long neocolonial control has been a part of everyday political life in cities across the U.S.; as Mike Davis, author of “City of Quartz,” says this has been indicative of white minorities controlling the material and political destinies of Latinos in the municipalities in southeast Los Angeles County.

Extension of voting rights in local elections to non-citizen residents is the next step in securing civil rights for the people of those municipalities. If, as a society, we believe in government by the people and for the people, nothing makes more sense than empowering residents to assert control over their local living conditions, regardless of citizenry.

Such action has been taken recently in a Maryland town, as discussed by Raskin. This decision has other precedents in American history and has been upheld by the Supreme Court according to the article in question.

If the cities in question have a Latino population in excess of 80%, yet only 45% of those are registered to vote, a move to extend voting rights to non-citizens would have incredible potential. It would also be a forward-looking policy given the history of immigration to the Los Angeles area.

I urge the political leaders involved with this movement to make such policies a goal.

CHRISTOPHER MICHNO

Claremont