During a mayoral debate in Los Angeles hosted by NBC4 and Telemundo, moderators pressed candidates for a direct yes-or-no answer on whether noncitizens should be allowed to vote in local elections. Democrat Mayor Karen Bass declined to provide a simple answer, instead stating "it depends" and explaining that noncitizens can include legal permanent residents with green cards. Republican challenger Spencer Pratt answered flatly with "No." Democratic Councilwoman Nithya Raman also avoided a direct response, similarly noting that noncitizen voting varies by jurisdiction and election type.

The exchange highlights a substantive policy disagreement heading into Los Angeles's mayoral primary scheduled for June 2, with the general election in November. The issue has become increasingly relevant to voters as a city councilmember has proposed placing the question on the ballot. Bass's reluctance to take a clear stance contrasts sharply with Pratt's unequivocal opposition, a distinction that may resonate with voters focused on election integrity and voting eligibility.

While federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections, some U.S. cities—including several in California—already permit limited noncitizen participation in local elections. Bass's clarification that "noncitizens" encompasses legal residents rather than only undocumented immigrants reflects the nuance often absent from public debate on the topic. Pratt is among 13 candidates challenging the incumbent Bass, positioning himself as one of the leading alternatives.