Fact Check: 11 Cities in Maryland Allow Non-Citizen Voting

The Maryland state constitution stipulates that every U.S. citizen aged 18 and above, who resides in the state at the time of registration, is entitled to vote in local elections. However, it also grants municipalities the power to allow individuals who do not meet these qualifications to vote, without requiring state approval.

While federal law prohibits non-citizens from participating in federal elections, state and local jurisdictions have the authority to set their own rules for municipal voting.

The municipalities that have embraced this approach are Barnesville, Cheverly, Chevy Chase Section 3, Garrett Park, Glen Echo, Hyattsville, Martin’s Additions, Mount Rainier, Riverdale Park, Somerset, and Takoma Park.

Barnesville allows any resident who has lived in the town for six months and is at least 18 years old to vote in town elections.

Cheverly permits any resident over the age of 18, who has lived in the town for at least 30 days and has no criminal convictions, to register and vote in local elections.

Chevy Chase Section 3 defines a qualified voter as any person residing in the section, regardless of citizenship, who is at least 18 years old.

Garrett Park offers flexible voter registration, encouraging participation from all residents, including non-citizens, who can register with either Montgomery County or the town itself.

Glen Echo allows lawful residents of the U.S. who live in the town and meet other voter qualifications, except U.S. citizenship, to register for local elections.

Hyattsville facilitates non-citizen voting through a specific city voter registration form, distinct from state registration.

Martin’s Additions extends voting rights to any resident or property owner in the town who is at least 18 years old.

Mount Rainier grants voting rights to residents who have lived in the city for at least 30 days, are at least 18 years old, and have not been convicted of certain crimes or are not under mental guardianship.

Riverdale Park includes residents aged 16 and above who have lived in the town for at least 45 days, do not claim the right to vote elsewhere in the U.S., and meet other specified criteria.

Somerset enfranchises any resident who is at least 18 years old and has lived in the town for at least 14 days before an election.

Takoma Park allows non-citizen residents to register using a city-specific voter registration application.

Maryland is among 14 states which allow non-citizen voting in local elections.

Seven states prohibit non-citizen voting:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Florida
• Louisiana
• North Dakota
• Ohio

Story by multiple RFHC contributors

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