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TESTIMONY
Testimony by Richard Fox, Volunteer from Open Primaries, on adopting nonpartisan primary elections
0:35:42
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Richard Fox, a volunteer with Open Primaries and a Brooklyn resident, advocates for New York City to adopt nonpartisan primary elections.
He argues that such a system would ensure candidates achieve majority support, encourage positive campaigning, increase participation by all voters regardless of party affiliation, and reduce political polarization.
Fox believes nonpartisan primaries would make elections more representative of the will of the people.
Richard Fox
0:35:42
Hi.
0:35:43
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
0:35:45
My name is Richard Fox.
0:35:46
I'm an Oakland Primaries volunteer and a Brooklyn resident testifying to suggest that New York City adopt nonpartisan primary elections to the city charter through a ballot proposal in November.
0:35:58
Currently, voters not registered with the party have no say in the choice of candidates that go to general election.
0:36:04
They are entirely blocked out of the primary election, and the nonpartisan primary system allows all voters, regardless of party affiliation, to participate selecting the candidates who will best represent their interests.
0:36:16
This change would increase voter turnout and ensure a more representative and inclusive process.
0:36:22
So some reasons why nonpartisan primaries are necessary, they would lead to majority support for winning candidates.
0:36:29
Nonpartisan primaries allow candidates to reflect the preferences of the broader electorate rather than appealing solely to party members, ultimately leading to a more diverse and well rounded candidates.
0:36:41
It also combats the issue of a spoiler candidate to ensure that no vote is wasted.
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Second point, it encourages positive campaigning.
0:36:49
Candidates will be incentivized to appeal to a broader range of voters, fostering a more civil and constructive electoral environment.
0:36:57
Third, it increases voter participation.
0:37:01
Nonpartisan primaries would allow voters, including voters not registered with the party, to have a say in the selection of candidates, leading to vote greater voter engagement and a broader electorate.
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And lastly, a reduction of polarization.
0:37:13
Holding nonpartisan primaries would force candidates to appeal to a wider range of voters, and this can help reduce partisan divisions and Boston more collaboration, stability, and bipartisan cooperation.
0:37:25
By adopting nonpartisan primaries, New York City can build on the success of ranked choice voting and ensure that our primaries are more representative of the will of the people.
0:37:34
In addition, by adopting nonpartisan primaries, we can foster a political environment where voye voters' voices are heard and the election process becomes more reflective of our collective values.
0:37:46
This legislation represents a crucial step towards enhancing democracy, fostering voter engagement, and promoting fairer, more representative elections.
0:37:55
Thank you.