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TESTIMONY
Testimony by Celina Avalos Jaramillo, Representative from New York BIPOC Democracy Table, on moving elections to even years for racial equity
2:58:18
·
3 min
Celina Avalos Jaramillo, representing the New York BIPOC Democracy Table, testifies in strong support of transitioning local elections to even-numbered years.
She argues this change would address persistently low voter turnout, especially in Black, brown, immigrant, and working-class neighborhoods, citing data showing significantly higher participation from these communities in even-year elections. Jaramillo frames the policy as a matter of racial equity, ensuring more voices are heard and carry appropriate political power.
- Supports moving local NYC elections to even-numbered years to combat low voter turnout.
- Highlights that voter participation is especially low in BIPOC, immigrant, and working-class communities during odd-year elections.
- Cites studies showing that turnout in majority-minority districts increases substantially (e.g., up to 250% in Latino-majority districts) in even-numbered years.
- Argues this is a racial equity issue to ensure a more inclusive and representative democracy.
Celina Avalos Jaramillo
2:58:18
Okay.
2:58:18
Perfect.
2:58:19
Good evening or good night, commissioners.
2:58:22
My name is Selina Avalos Aramillo, and I'm testifying on behalf of the New York BIPOC democracy table, which is a coalition of organizations led by unserving black, indigenous, and people of color across New York City.
2:58:37
We are united by a shared commitment to racial justice, civic empowerment, and building an inclusive democracy that truly reflects and serves on New Yorkers.
2:58:47
We strongly support the transition of local elections in New York City to even numbered years.
2:58:52
The commission has rightly reviewed this policy in its preliminary report, and we urge you to include it in its final recommendation for the ballot.
2:59:01
I know you have all heard extensively about this topic, but I really wanna focus on the current system, that New York faces, which is persistent levels of low voter turnout.
2:59:13
Voter participation is consistently low, often under 24% with even lower participation in black, brown, immigrant, and working class neighborhoods.
2:59:26
In its 2022 report, Citizens Union found that nonwhite turnout for the twenty twenty presidential elections was 85 of the white turnout rate.
2:59:35
And you guys wanna know what it was in 2021?
2:59:38
It dropped to 54%.
2:59:41
Again, this very low voter turnout indicates that the current system is not working.
2:59:47
It undermines representation during odd years and leaves our communities out of the decisions that affect our daily lives from education to housing to public safety.
2:59:58
And worse, in the two twenty one Mayoral general elections, the city faced a historic low turnout with only 23.3% of eligible voters casting a ballot in the general elections, twenty three point three percent.
3:00:12
Shifting city elections to even number years is a proven way to increase voter turnout, especially among historically marginalized communities.
3:00:20
Another, study that was conducted by Citizens Union examining 12 New York City assembly districts found that majority minority districts experienced the most significant turnout increase in even numbered years.
3:00:32
As much as 250% in Latino majority districts compared to odd year elections.
3:00:39
Participation across demographics rises significantly when we vote alongside state and federal elections.
3:00:45
And when this happens, more of our voices are heard and carry the political power that they should in a healthy, inclusive democracy.
3:00:54
Folks, this policy is about racial equity.
3:00:57
It's about ensuring that our democracy works for everyone, not just the few who vote in low turnout, low information elections.
3:01:05
Our communities are already deeply engaged in neighborhoods, but the current election schedule places unnecessary barriers in our path.
3:01:13
This policy removes one of those barriers.
3:01:15
And some folks argue that this might dilute attention to local races.
3:01:20
I know this was one of the questions, but the truth is that these races are already overlooked.
3:01:25
And under the current system's abysmal participation rates, again, we strongly urge the commission to move forward with this policy for the November ballot.
3:01:33
Let New Yorkers, especially those whose voices have often been excluded, have a say in building a more inclusive, accessible, and representative democracy.
Sharon Greenberger
3:01:42
Thank you.
Celina Avalos Jaramillo
3:01:42
Thank you for your time.
Sharon Greenberger
3:01:43
Thanks so much.