De Blasio admits to 'mixed feelings' on allowing noncitizens to vote in elections

Outgoing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) on Sunday said he had "mixed feelings" about the New York City Council's recent decision to allow noncitizens to vote in local elections.

While appearing on "Fox News Sunday," de Blasio was asked by host Chris Wallace why he did not veto the measure over his concerns surrounding the legality of the measure.

"I have mixed feelings. I've been very open about it on this law and I think there are big legal questions, but I also respect the city council. They made a decision," de Blasio said, adding that he is currently focused on combating the COVID-19 pandemic and the emerging omicron variant.

Last week, city lawmakers adopted a new measure to allow residents who are not U.S. citizens to vote in certain for mayor and city council positions. The measure passed, 33 to 14. 

Soon after it passed, de Blasio expressed some concern, telling local media that he wanted "to make sure that there’s maximum incentive to finish the citizenship process."