Democrats in Portland, Maine, have advanced a proposal to give foreign nationals the right to vote in municipal elections, likely putting the measure on the ballot for voters.

The Portland Charter Commission, made up primarily of liberal Democrats, voted to support the plan by a 10-2 vote. Pat Washburn, who sits on the commission, told local media that giving voting rights to foreign nationals is “a matter of justice.”

“We have a substantial population of people who live here, who are part of our community, who send their kids to our schools, who rely on city services and don’t have a voice in what the city chooses to do or not do,” Washburn said.

Portland is home to nearly 25,000 foreign-born residents. Now, the plan will be put to Portland voters on an upcoming ballot.

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