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Q&A
Discussion on the interplay between local and state actions for election reforms, particularly even-year elections.
0:59:39
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115 sec
Commissioners and staff discuss the procedural complexities of implementing election reforms, distinguishing between locally controlled changes like open primaries and those requiring state action, such as moving to even-year elections.
Executive Director Alec Schierenbeck clarifies that while open primaries can be enacted locally, shifting to even-year elections necessitates both a state constitutional amendment and a local referendum.
The debate touches on whether the commission should propose a ballot question on even-year elections given the dependency on a state process that is not yet resolved.
- Carl Weisbrod notes that open primary reforms are a local matter, whereas even-year elections have state-level dependencies.
- Schierenbeck explains that a state constitutional amendment for even-year elections is currently under consideration in Albany; if passed by the legislature and voters, it would give NYC the option to move its elections.
- A local ballot measure approved by NYC voters would allow the city to implement even-year elections promptly if the state enables it, rather than requiring a new charter revision process later.
- Commissioner Kathryn Wylde questions the value of a local vote if state action remains uncertain.
Diane Savino
0:59:39
So on the
1:00:19
in the state if state acts.
1:00:24
We could have a question on the ballot says that if then, if the state were to move forward with a constitutional amendment adopting even your elections, we would then be able to move forward without having to come back and
Carl Weisbrod
0:59:40
even year elections.
Alec Schierenbeck
0:59:40
Right.
0:59:41
Yeah.
0:59:42
I can try to I can try to clarify.
0:59:44
Even year elections will require additional state action to be effectuated.
0:59:48
State law requires us to go through a referendum process, to go through local law.
0:59:52
There's also a state constitutional amendment process that would have to play out.
0:59:57
So that's only with respect to even year elections, however.
1:00:00
With with respect to open primaries, that's within local control, does not require subsequent state action.
1:00:36
Yeah.
1:00:36
If I could if I could try to just the law.
1:00:38
So right now, the version of the state constitutional amendment, which is in consideration in Albany and passed the Senate, but not the Assembly last year, would give New York the option of moving to even year elections.
1:00:53
It would not compel the New York move to even year elections.
1:00:56
Exercising that option under state law, under the state municipal home rule law, would require a commission like this, going through a process like this to put a question on the ballot.
1:01:07
And so one utility of this commission going is to set up the rules of the road so that if Albany should put that state constitutional voters amendment to voters, and should it be approved, that we could sync up right away rather than requiring another subsequent process.
1:01:25
So that's one utility.
1:01:30
Because the state constitutional amendment must pass two successive
Kathryn Wylde
1:00:06
Yep.
1:00:07
Issue.
1:00:08
What exactly I mean, what exactly does it do for us to change the charter to the even year thing?
1:00:15
It does nothing.
1:00:16
Right?
1:00:21
Still have to have a reservation?
1:00:23
A We could.
1:01:27
To finalize our recommendation?
1:01:29
No.
1:01:29
No.
Anita Laremont
1:00:17
It doesn't make any us to move forward if