Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
TESTIMONY
Testimony by Melanie Wesslock from One City Rising supporting open primaries for inclusivity and better representation
3:39:57
·
150 sec
Melanie Wesslock, a member of One City Rising, testifies in support of putting open primaries on the ballot.
She argues open primaries are crucial for inclusivity in a diverse city like New York, allowing independent voters to participate and encouraging candidates to appeal to a broader electorate.
Wesslock believes this reform would lead to higher turnout, more balanced representation, consensus-driven leadership, and a fairer, more robust democratic process.
Melanie Wesslock
3:39:57
Hi.
3:39:57
Good evening.
3:39:58
Can you hear me?
Richard R. Buery Jr.
3:40:00
Yes.
3:40:00
We can.
3:40:01
Thank you.
Melanie Wesslock
3:40:01
Okay.
3:40:01
Great.
3:40:02
Thank you for the opportunity to speak.
3:40:04
My name is Melanie Westlock.
3:40:06
I am a lifelong New Yorker, a parent, and a small business owner.
3:40:11
I'm also a proud member of One City Rising, a grassroots organization of bipartisan New Yorkers throughout New York City, and we're working to support common sense policies.
3:40:21
I'm here to speak about my support of getting open primaries on the ballot.
3:40:25
Open primaries are a system where, is a system where voters are required to be affiliated with the political party to participate in primary elections, as Maria mentioned.
3:40:35
I believe that they are especially important in diverse and politically dynamic city like New York, and it would create a more inclusive and democratic electoral process.
3:40:45
Here in New York City, many registered voters identify as independents.
3:40:49
And under the current closed primary system, these voters are excluded from helping to choose the candidates in a major party, primary.
3:40:56
And these primaries often determine the eventual winner in a heavily one party district.
3:41:03
Currently, voter turnout in New York is really shameful.
3:41:06
It's like 10%.
3:41:07
Allowing all voters to participate in primaries can lead to higher voter turnout and greater civic, engagement.
3:41:14
Often primaries are encouraged, open primaries would encourage candidates to appeal to broader range of constituents rather than just catering to their own party space.
3:41:24
Candidates would then have to consider the perspectives and priorities of all voters.
3:41:29
This could result in a more moderate and consistent consensus driven leader, and they would be better equipped to govern a diverse and complex city like New York.
3:41:37
As a business owner, I have a personal stake in the success of our city, which depends on proper representation.
3:41:44
Open primaries would foster an environment where independent voters would finally have a voice.
3:41:49
Open primaries promote fairness and transparency.
3:41:52
They empower voters rather than parties.
3:41:55
In a city like New York, embracing open primaries would be a step toward a more equitable democracy instead of a one party rule.
3:42:02
In conclusion, open primaries would lead to a greater voter participation, to more balanced representation, and a more robust democratic process.
3:42:11
New York City is one of the few major cities not to have open primaries.
3:42:15
We pride ourselves in being a leader and an example of a great city.
3:42:19
It's time our primaries live up to this expectation.
3:42:22
Thank you so much for for the time tonight, and I know it's a late evening, so thank you very much.