citymeetings.nyc

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TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jennifer Ng, Member of the Public, in favor of open primaries

2:52:31

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99 sec

Jennifer Ng, a lifelong New York City resident, testifies in support of top-two or top-four open primaries.

She believes such systems would make elections more competitive and fair, as too many races are currently decided in low-turnout, one-party primaries, shutting out independent-minded voters. Ng shares her own experience of registering as a Democrat solely to vote in primaries, despite identifying as an independent, and argues that an open system would lead to candidates appealing to a broader electorate and fostering more accountability.

Supports top-two or top-four open primaries to make elections more competitive and fair.
Believes current closed primaries shut out independent voters and lead to races being decided by a small segment of the electorate.
Argues an open system would force candidates to appeal to a wider range of New Yorkers and address broader concerns.

Jennifer Ng

2:52:31

Hi.

2:52:32

My name is Jennifer Ng, and thank you for the opportunity to testify today.

2:52:37

This is just a short personal testimony from a citizen and taxpayer of New York City.

2:52:43

I was born and raised in Queens, New York.

2:52:45

I've lived in multiple boroughs, currently reside in Brooklyn, and I plan to remain a lifelong New York City resident.

2:52:51

It was very important to me to testify today because I have I do believe that the top two a top two and a top or a top four open primary would make New York City elections more competitive and fair.

2:53:03

The stats I heard today in John Kenny's earlier testimony were very concerning to me.

2:53:08

Currently, I think that too many races are decided in low turnout one party primaries.

2:53:14

Loaders, who don't belong to a party, often the most independent minded among us, are shut out.

2:53:20

In fact, I'm quite embarrassed to say that I have in the past registered as a democrat for the sole reason to vote in the primaries, although I fully identify as an independent and feel as though I abandoned my true values.

2:53:32

Within open system where the top two or top or four vote getters advanced, general elections would feature candidates who appeal to a broader cross section of New Yorkers, and candidates would be forced to address broad citywide concerns, including things like the urgent need for more affordable and stable housing.

2:53:51

And this would foster more accountability, ensure that candidates are focused on real solutions.

2:53:56

I think democracy works best when more people are involved and representative represented.

2:54:01

I would love to see us make sure that everyone's vote counts from the start and appreciate, the time to testify, and thank you very much for the time.

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Testimony by David Mertz, Member of the Working Families Party, on election reforms and voter turnout

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Testimony by Jonathan Kreiss-Tompkins, Former Alaska State Legislator (2012-2022), Former Chair of Elections Committee from Alaska State Legislature, on Alaska's election reforms

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