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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Discussion of Resolution 189 - Moving NYC elections to even-numbered years
0:29:39
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105 sec
Paul Seamus Ryan expresses strong support for Resolution 189, sponsored by Council Member Ng, which calls for moving New York City elections to even-numbered years.
- The CFB is thrilled to see this resolution reintroduced in the 2023-2024 council session
- The proposal aims to increase voter turnout and save taxpayer money on election administration
- Research suggests that consolidating elections would increase representation, especially among young voters and voters of color
- The change requires a constitutional amendment initiated by legislation at the state level
- Governor Hochul has already signed legislation shifting most county and local elections to even years
Paul Seamus Ryan
0:29:39
Resolution 189, sponsored by council member Ng, is of great importance to the CFB.
0:29:50
This legislation calls on the New York State Legislature to pass an amendment to the New York State Constitution to move New York City elections to even number years.
0:30:00
We are thrilled to see this resolution reintroduced in the 2023, 2024 council session.
0:30:06
Citizens Union focused an entire 60 page report on this subject in December 2022, which inspired us to recommend this policy change in our 2022 2 voter analysis report and, again, in our 2023 voter analysis report.
0:30:21
Under our current election system, even with 82% of New Yorkers registered to vote, only a fraction of New Yorkers turn out to cast ballots in odd year city elections, with many expressing voter fatigue and election burnout.
0:30:33
Shifting local elections to occur alongside state and federal elections would also save taxpayers the $30,000,000 it costs to administer each stand alone local primary and general election even when only 7% of the city shows up to vote.
0:30:47
Beyond increasing turnout for local elections that shape our day to day lives, consolidating elections would also increase representation among those who participate, especially young voters and voters of color.
0:30:58
Research shows this to be true in municipalities across the country that have made similar moves.
0:31:03
Last year, governor Hochul signed legislation that shifted most county and local elections to even years to limit election fatigue and boost voter turnout, a comparable change for cities, including New York City, requires a constitution set in motion by legislation at the state level.
0:31:18
The more New Yorkers participate in local elections, the closer we are to adjust in representative democracy.