By Amya Henry and Mya Trujillo, NewsVision  

The District of Columbia is changing its definition of what it means to be a “qualified elector.”

When it comes to local elections non-citizen residents of the District are now able to cast their vote. The change comes after years of controversy.

In this special report, NewsVision reporters Amya Henry and Mya Trujillo take an in-depth look into the D.C. Local Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022. 

“You deserve a chance to say what happens in your community [and] what the community looks like.” — Kush Kharod

Kush Kharod, a community organizer who supported the legislation, said the measure helps D.C. residents who “feel passionate and want to register and decide who their elected officials are and the issues that they’re fighting for.”

Despite facing conservative pushback and what he said are myths about immigrants harming the country, Kharod and his fellow organizers convinced council members to support the amendment.

In a podcast, Mya Trujillo spoke in depth with Kharod and Jose Cruz, who is exercising his right to take part in the democratic process. 

“We’re a people who come here to work.” — Jose Cruz

The podcast includes a translated interview with Cruz, who says, “It’s important for all immigrants to vote and get the chance to elect a candidate who will help all of them—not just white Americans, but everyone, because we’re a people who come here to work.” 

Kharod said politicians should recognize that noncitizens are an important part of society. They have voice, he said, and power.

“We’re already seeing politicians this election cycle come and talk with folks who are noncitizens whether its vendors or not and say, ‘What’s important to you and what can I do to get your vote?'” Kharod said. “And I think that’s an America that I would wanna live in, where folks have that power.”

To learn more about upcoming voter registration events, visit the DC Board of Election calendar at dcboe.org/events.