The New York City Council has just passed a measure to allow legal residents who are not citizens to participate in local elections. The main sponsor of the bill, Ydanis Rodriguez, a naturalized citizen from the Dominican Republic, told CNN that the bill is about supporting non-representative taxation.

"If they pay taxes, they should be able to elect their leaders," he said.

I totally agree-but Rodriguez and the other members of the committee need to implement this new standard fairly for every New Yorker.

Non-referendum voting rights are gaining momentum. Many American cities and towns allow immigrants to vote in municipal and school board elections, including San Francisco.

But there are important differences between New York and other cities that empower non-citizens. We still use the party primary election system to elect municipal officials-this system effectively excludes 1 million voters who are not members of any party.

Rodriguez asserted that all New York City residents should have the basic right to shape the future of the city in which they live and work, and to send their children to school. I commend his position and the city council for following his leadership.

But it is speculated that many residents who choose to use their new voting rights want to do so without joining a political party. Many immigrants, whether citizens or residents, come from countries with authoritarian significance and history as “party members”.

The ugly fact is that if you don’t check the "Democratic Party" on your New York City registration card, then you have no say in the election process because you cannot vote in the primary election, which is the only round of competition for 95%. Horse racing in New York City.

There are now more non-party voters (3.5 million) in New York State than Republicans. They are the fastest growing segment of voters. However, because both the municipal and state governments insist on an exclusive electoral system, these 3.5 million voters have very limited opportunities to choose leaders in a meaningful way.

Three-quarters of New York State’s elections were decided in the primary elections, thanks in large part to areas that have been divided into electoral districts for many years. This number has risen to 95% in New York City. The general election is a ceremonial afterthought, not a real game.

It is a shame to invite legal residents to participate in local elections and then immediately deprive those who do not join the Democratic Party (or in a very small number of Republican districts, the Republican Party) of their rights.

This is old news. Everyone knows. But the sad truth is that most people in power do not think this is a problem. They think: "Just join a party! The problem is solved! If you choose to isolate yourself by checking non-connections, it is your responsibility!"

There are so many basic rights.

The rationalization of "just joining a political party" prevented action on this issue and denied the real reason why so many New Yorkers registered to vote as independents. Some people do this for professional reasons, and their occupation requires them to keep a distance from party loyalty. Many veterans — 49% of whom consider themselves independent — associate registration as an independent with the military spirit of serving the country, regardless of which party is responsible.

Many young voters view party membership as a relic of the pre-digital age. More people check nonpartisan relations on their voter registration forms because they have been shut down by the demonizing counterparty so common in red and blue national politics.

But despite this, "If you want a voice, join a political party" has been strongly defended by most New York politicians.

This is contrary to the feelings of ordinary New Yorkers. According to a new opinion poll conducted by John Zogby Strategies of 1,500 New Yorkers across the state, “three-quarters of voters (76%) agree that open primary elections should allow independent voters to have a say when candidates enter the general election. This includes 76%. Of Democrats, 73% of Republicans, 81% of independents, 80% of progressives, 81% of liberals, 77% of moderates, 75% of conservatives, and 72% of very conservative voters."

The growth of independent voters in New York cannot be concealed forever. Mike Bloomberg and his allies (including myself) solved the problem in 2003, but were rejected, but the problem did not disappear. The city council authorized legal residents to do the right thing. But they are bringing them into an exclusive system. Now they must support the city referendum and switch to a non-partisan system so that all New Yorkers can fully participate. No taxation without representatives!

Opdycke is the chairman of Open Primaries, a nationwide electoral reform organization based in New York City.