Greenbelt schedules public hearing and second reading on allowing noncitizen residents to vote

The Greenbelt City Council conducted first readings of an ordinance and a related charter amendment that would allow residents who meet residency requirements but are not U.S. citizens to register and vote in Greenbelt municipal elections. The board of elections’ report and proposed language were entered into the record; a public hearing was scheduled and council set second‑reading action for Sept. 23.

Mayor Jordan read data from the 2023 community survey, noting that “Of the respondents, 59% said yes, 30% said no, and 11% did not respond.” Council and staff reviewed proposed code changes (including moving noncitizen registration to at least 21 days before an election) and clarified that second reading and a public hearing are part of the standard charter‑amendment process.

Council debated whether the public hearing should be a separate meeting or part of the Sept. 23 regular meeting. Some council members argued a standalone hearing would allow more time and not constrain public testimony; others said consolidating hearings into the regular meeting is more convenient for residents and staff. After extended discussion and public comment, council moved to include the public hearing as part of the Sept. 23 regular meeting and recess as necessary to allow full public testimony.

Residents who attended urged the council to act promptly and to respect the advisory referendum results that previously supported all‑resident voting. John Appia Duffel, a resident who spoke during public comment, noted the prior advisory vote and urged swift council action: “We approved all resident voting by a 2 to 1 margin,” he said.

The measure remains in the second‑reading process; the council will receive public testimony on Sept. 23 and may vote to adopt the ordinance and charter amendments then if it chooses.