Undocumented Immigrants Could Run For California Democratic Party County Committees Under New Bill

Undocumented immigrants could wind up on the ballot for membership on a Democratic Party county committee — even if they can’t legally vote.

Under the state’s election code, individuals who run for membership on any of the party’s county committees have to be registered Democrats — which, by law, excludes undocumented immigrants. 

But a newly amended bill would let non-citizens run for these positions. The committee members aren’t public officials, but they are allowed to vote in party elections as delegates.

The state Democractic Party is already considering a similar change to its bylaws. A proposed resolution would let undocumented immigrants serve as delegates, and the state party plans to consider the proposal in August.

Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener introduced the legislation late last week — and in the process gutted a bill known as the “solar bill of rights,” which aimed to make solar power more accessible for Californians. His office did not respond to several requests for comment.

Sarah Souza is an activist who has pushed the Democratic Party to create the opportunity for undocumented immigrants to participation in party elections. A DACA recipient who immigrated to the United States from Brazil as a teenager nearly two decades ago, she has since earned a master’s degree in public affairs and is president of the San Francisco Latino Democratic Club.

She says she plans to run for the Democratic Party’s committee in San Francisco County if the bill passes.

“For me, as an immigrant and a Dreamer, I want to pave the way so others can have the same opportunity,” she told CapRadio.

Technically, Souza is already a member of the committee. The party in San Francisco County passed its own rule that permits the appointment of undocumented immigrants. But those members can’t serve as delegates to the state party.

At the state convention, Souza was given “observer” status. That allowed her to go behind the scenes like a delegate, but she couldn’t vote in party elections.

If Wiener’s bill passes, Souza and other undocumented immigrants can get their names on the ballot for party committees in all 58 counties. 

Souza says letting non-citizens run in party elections advances California’s mission as a sanctuary state.

“As Californians, we stand for equity and representation for all,” she said. “So, I think it’s an opportunity for us to prove that we are a sanctuary.”

Wiener’s “solar bill of rights” faced substantial amendments before clearing the Senate in late May. 

The California Solar & Storage Association, which sponsored the bill, did not respond to a request for comment before publication.