Q&A
Discussion on low voter turnout in New York City elections
1:45:15
·
93 sec
Council Member Lincoln Restler expresses concern about the low voter turnout in New York City elections, highlighting the decline from 93% in 1953 to 23% in the 2021 general election. He asks Michael Ryan and Paul Seamus Ryan about their plans to enhance turnout and improve election operations for the upcoming election cycle.
- Historical data shows a significant decrease in voter turnout over the years
- The discussion focuses on the need for new strategies to increase voter participation
- Both the Board of Elections and Campaign Finance Board are asked about their priorities for improving turnout
Lincoln Restler
1:45:15
Thanks so much, council member Hanif.
1:45:17
I will do some questions, kick it kick it over to council member Brewer, who I know is around too, and then try to wrap this panel up, with a few more questions after that.
1:45:29
Just wanna focus on turnout for a moment, which is, I think I said in my opening, abysmal.
1:45:37
I think 23% in the 2021 general election, that led to Eric Adams' victory.
1:45:44
We looked back at the historical data, and the BOE keeps all of this on its website.
1:45:48
If you don't enjoy it, you should.
1:45:50
It's awesome.
1:45:52
Maybe this is just something that Molly and I enjoy.
1:45:54
But, when Robert
Michael Ryan
1:45:56
you were gonna ask us about it, we would have taken it down before the hearing.
1:45:59
No.
1:45:59
Teasing.
1:46:00
Teasing.
Paul Seamus Ryan
1:46:00
Of course.
Lincoln Restler
1:46:01
When Robert Wagner was elected in 1953, if I have this right, over 2,000,000 people turned out for the mayor election, 93% of registered voters.
1:46:10
So we've gone from 93% in 1953 down to 23% in 2021.
1:46:18
About half as many people turned out to vote, to help elect Eric Adams.
1:46:23
So I just you commented, each of you, a little bit on this in your opening statements, which we heard and appreciated.
1:46:30
Just is there anything new or additive that you'd like to share now of how the CFP and BOE are going to try to enhance turnout for the upcoming election cycle, improve efficient election operations?
1:46:43
Are there any top line, big picture priorities for how we're gonna try to do better as a city?
