Santa Ana voters have decisively rejected Measure DD, a proposal that sought to allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. The measure was defeated with 60% voting against it, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Santa Ana, a city of over 300,000 in Orange County, has a majority Latino population and has historically leaned Democratic. Despite this, the rejection of Measure DD signals changing perspectives on immigration-related policies in the community.
Only 1-in-3 California city’s citizens voted to let illegal immigrants vote https://t.co/V8SDAZAFOR
— Peter Paul (@theperfect49577) November 12, 2024
“This aligns with broader trends we’re seeing, where Latino voters are becoming more conservative on immigration,” said Jon Gould of the University of California, Irvine. He noted that such shifts have been evident in recent elections and polling.
The measure’s opponents, including conservative groups like the Policy Issues Institute, argued that allowing noncitizens to vote would undermine the sanctity of elections and open the door to costly legal challenges. Advocates, however, maintained the measure was a fair recognition of noncitizen residents who contribute to the community.
AP: “Voters in a Southern California city rejected a measure that would have allowed residents who aren’t U.S. citizens to vote in local elections.
Ballot Measure DD would have made “70,000 non-citizens eligible to vote. The measure was rejected by 60% of the voters in Santa… https://t.co/cSFV1GVVVa pic.twitter.com/ah6IstjFcP
— Olivia P. Walker (@olivia_p_walker) November 12, 2024
Why do we want voters to vote yes on Measure DD and LL? Because we believe in power to the people, not political maneuvering. It is time for independent individuals to draw our city maps that are representative of OUR needs. Vote YES on Measure DD and LL to make your voice heard! pic.twitter.com/c6MWZoENQl
— Catalyst California (@CatalystCali) November 5, 2024
Carlos Perea, an advocate for immigrant rights, attributed the outcome to political pressure and Trump’s continued influence on immigration debates. “This shows how significant Trump’s messaging on immigration remains,” Perea said.
Vote YES on Santa Ana’s Measure DD this November! 🗳️ Let’s empower non-citizen residents to vote in local elections and give them a voice in their city’s future.
Pledge to vote today: https://t.co/6YR7LGy11r
#MeasureDD #VoteYES #SantaAnaVotes pic.twitter.com/yB1ry2p9vZ
— California Immigrant Policy Center (@CALimmigrant) October 25, 2024
There are literally ballot measures in multiple counties in this election that if passed will give non citizens (anyone with an address in the county) the right to vote in local elections. Look up ballot measure DD in Santa Ana, California. This is happing.
— Lou from Southie (@SemiConductHer) October 29, 2024
While other cities have passed laws allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections, these efforts have faced legal challenges and divided opinions. The rejection of Measure DD highlights the growing complexity of immigration politics, even in communities that have traditionally supported more progressive policies.
Santa Ana has a majority latino population and they rejected the right for immigrants to vote. California aint as liberal as yall think it is. https://t.co/afvkZJP4Ww
— Dwann B 🇺🇸 (@dwannb) November 11, 2024
