New York City Voters to Decide on Significant Election Reform
In an effort to enhance voter turnout, New York City residents will cast their votes in November on a pivotal ballot measure, Ballot Proposal 6. This proposal aims to synchronize the city’s elections with presidential election years, a change that would require an amendment to the state law.
The proposed measure seeks to adjust the City Charter to schedule both primary and general elections in even-numbered years. However, for this change to become effective, it necessitates the approval of both the state legislature and voters statewide for a constitutional amendment. This initiative follows a trend among other towns and counties in New York, which are already moving toward even-year elections due to a recent ruling by New York’s highest court.
Historically, New York City’s odd-year elections have suffered from low voter participation. A mere 23 percent of eligible voters turned out for the 2021 mayoral election, marking a record low. Conversely, the presidential election in the previous year saw a turnout of 60 percent. Similarly, the average turnout for the last five mayoral elections stood at 27 percent, substantially lower than that for presidential contests.
Odd-year elections also exacerbate turnout disparities among young voters and voters of color. In the 2023 general elections, only 6 percent of voters aged 18 to 29 participated. Turnout was even lower in neighborhoods with a predominance of voters of color, with rates falling below 13 percent, despite the presence of significant issues on the ballot.
Jurisdictions that have transitioned to even-year elections report substantial improvements in voter engagement. San Francisco’s shift in 2024 resulted in more than double the turnout of its previous six odd-year elections, according to a report. Other California cities have seen noteworthy increases in participation among young, Latino, and Asian American voters, making the electorate more representative of the state’s demographics.
In addition to potentially boosting turnout, moving elections to even years could enhance administrative efficiency and cut costs. A report from New York City’s Independent Budget Office estimates savings of $42 million every other year by consolidating the election calendar, as detailed here. This could alleviate the pressure of recent federal cuts to election services and allow officials to focus on vital tasks during odd years.
Public opinion appears to favor this reform. A poll conducted in 2024 found broad support across different demographics for the shift to even-year elections. Statewide surveys also indicate that voters across party affiliations view this change as beneficial for New York.
The upcoming vote offers New Yorkers a chance to address the issue of low electoral participation. A positive outcome for Proposal 6 would signal to Albany that city residents are ready to pursue this critical amendment to enhance their democratic process.
