HARTFORD, Vt. (AP) — Residents of Hartford, Vermont, have passed an ordinance that has the effect of making it a sanctuary town for people living in the country illegally, according to preliminary results.
What the community is calling its “welcoming ordinance” will prevent authorities from sharing a person’s immigration status with federal authorities. The ordinance also will bar Hartford police from pulling over or arresting people for their suspected citizenship status.
The unofficial tally on the issue in Tuesday’s election was 1,842 to 1,177, Valley News reported.
Advocates say the ordinance would protect and support community members who are living in the country illegally. Opponents worry it will violate a federal law saying municipalities can’t prevent police from sharing someone’s status.
Residents also voted Tuesday to approve a $3.3 million bond for a new municipal pool and favored a requirement that town infrastructure be carbon neutral by 2027, Valley News reported.
Town board Chairperson Simon Dennis says he thinks this year’s turnout was larger and younger than in the past.
“It reflects a trend in recent years toward seeing a new, more progressive face of the electorate,” Dennis said.
(Copyright (c) 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)