Santa Ana voters may decide in November to allow illegal immigrants to vote in local city elections, after the city council discussed July 19 placing the issue on the General Election ballot.
“These are people who pay taxes. These are people who live in our community,” City Councilman Ryan Hernandez, who introduced the item, said at a council meeting.
The discussion arose when the city council considered several possible ballot measures at a Tuesday meeting. It received support from Mayor Vicente Sarmiento, and councilors Thai Phan, Jessie Lopez, and Nelida Mendoza.
Councilmen Phil Becerra and David Penaloza were opposed.
Becerra said the issue was introduced “at the last minute” during the meeting and did not have a chance to undergo a more in-depth discussion by the city’s committee that reviews charter changes….