Someone from Hong Kong who came to the United States illegally and can’t even vote was recently sworn into the Elections Committee in San Francisco.
According to reports, Kelly Wong, who is from Hong Kong, “is believed to be the first noncitizen appointed to the commission.” In 2020, San Francisco passed a rule that got rid of the need to be a citizen. This means that it is now possible. In 2019, Kelly Wong came to the United States to get a college degree. She is an immigrant and was sworn in at a ceremony in San Francisco City Hall.
Kelly Wong was elected by the Board of Supervisors in San Francisco with no objections. In her speech, she talked about how she defeated doubts to get elected to the elections committee. “I hear voices all the time in my head.” I told them, “You can’t do it.” You’re not skilled. You are a newcomer. This isn’t your country. It’s not true. She told him, “If I can do it, you can do it too.”
Aaron Peskin, head of the Board of Supervisors, said, “I’m very impressed by her commitment to giving people who don’t vote much the right to vote, teaching people how to vote, and drawing in noncitizens and giving them the tools they need to become citizens.”
Kelly Wong has a strong desire to help people who need it by learning about their voting rights, getting involved in politics, and showing them the right way to vote.
Wong stated, “I have seen how language and cultural barriers keep immigrants who don’t speak English well from fully exercising their right to vote.” I speak English very well, but it’s still hard for me to figure out how to use a new system, let alone take part in political actions and conversations.
I agree with the Board of Supervisors’ choice to put Kelly Wong on the Elections Commission, said Robin Stone, President of the San Francisco Election Commission. Also, as City employees, we obey the law and the will of the people of San Francisco, who got rid of the requirement that commissioners be citizens in 2020.
