Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
TESTIMONY
Testimony by Celia Hardy from Unite New York on the need for open primaries for representation
2:07:38
·
85 sec
Celia Hardy, speaking as an independent voter and volunteer with Unite New York, argues that New York City's closed primary system fails to create a representative democracy and disenfranchises the million-plus voters like her who are not affiliated with a party.
She advocates for open primaries to ensure all perspectives are considered and elected officials are accountable to all constituents, not just party members.
Celia Hardy
2:07:38
Hello.
Richard R. Buery Jr.
2:07:39
Hello.
Celia Hardy
2:07:41
Thank you, commission members, for letting me testify testify today.
2:07:44
My name is Celia Hardy, and I'm a New Yorker and a volunteer with Unite New York, and I'm an independent voter.
2:07:53
And I, like 1,000,000 other New Yorkers, am currently barred from participating in our primary elections.
2:08:01
This system doesn't reflect a representative democracy and leaves many voters like me feeling disconnected from policy being created about our community impacting our quality of life.
2:08:15
If we truly want a political system that reflects the values of all New Yorkers, we must embrace reforms that include the voices of all New Yorkers.
2:08:25
The current closed primary system limits participation to registered party members, excluding independents like me who don't align with the party's values or don't feel like our viewpoints can be neatly packaged into either of the current two parties.
2:08:42
I believe this system is outdated and does a disservice to our democracy.
2:08:47
Open primaries, however, will ensure that more independent voters aren't treated like second class citizens, that more perspectives will be considered, and elected officials will be accountable to the entire electorate, not just a select few.
2:09:02
Thank you.