On Monday, August 18, the period in which to file as a candidate for Greenbelt City Council will begin. Any qualified voter who is at least 18 years of age is eligible to run. Beginning this year, that includes noncitizens.
All-Resident Voting
In the last election the question of allowing noncitizens who meet residency requirements to vote appeared on the ballot as an advisory question. Fifty-nine percent of voters responded yes, 30 percent responded no and 11 percent did not respond. In September, council voted unanimously (6 to 0 with Councilmember Silke Pope absent) to amend the city’s charter to allow noncitizens to vote in city elections (see the September 26, 2024, issue). Since all eligible voters over 18 may run for election to city council, that now includes noncitizens, too.
Noncitizen Candidates
Steve Gilbert of the city’s Board of Elections confirmed to the News Review this week that noncitizens are eligible to run. They must first register to vote with the city clerk and meet the other requirements to run for city office, said Gilbert. He noted that the matter came up for discussion in council. Councilmember Kristen Weaver indicated that noncitizens would be able to run for election and no one disagreed with her, said Gilbert, who also noted that council did not have to take action on the issue.
How to Run
Any eligible resident wishing to run for council should file a petition at the office of the city clerk, signed by 50 or more voters, as well as a written acceptance of nomination. The deadline to file a nomination petition is Monday, September 22 by 5 p.m. For more information, email the city clerk or call 301-474-8000 and visit greenbeltmd.gov/189/Run-For-City-Council, where forms are available for download
