Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
TESTIMONY
Testimony by Natalia Aristizabal from Make the Road New York against the "Final Four" primary system
2:36:05
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178 sec
Natalia Aristizabal from Make the Road New York and Make the Road Action testifies against implementing a "Final Four" (top-four) jungle primary system in New York City.
She argues that evidence from Alaska, which implemented such a system, shows problems like lower primary voter turnout (27.5% in 2022) and significant voter confusion (only 48% fully understood the system).
Aristizabal warns that this confusion could disenfranchise hundreds of thousands in a diverse city like New York, especially low-income immigrants and elderly communities.
- She also contends the system risks amplifying the role of big money and name recognition due to the need for candidates to campaign in two distinct election phases, disadvantaging grassroots and BIPOC candidates.
- She urges focusing on proven reforms like aligning election years and automatic voter registration.
Natalia Aristizabal
2:36:05
My name is Natalia Ristizawa.
2:36:06
I am here because you and I'm with Make the Road New York and Make the Road Action.
2:36:11
We have an office in Staten Island.
2:36:13
I'm here because you're considering implementing the so called Final Four Top Four Jungle Primary System in New York City.
2:36:20
At first glance, the system where all candidates appear on a single primary ballot at the Top Four Advanced Tour ranked choice general election seems to improve the Top Two primaries.
2:36:31
However, the evidence shows that the Final Four suffered many of the same problems as California Top two, and in some cases, it introduced new ones.
2:36:38
I want to quickly take a look at Alaska.
2:36:40
In 2022, Alaska held its first election using the Final Four system.
2:36:43
Despite the claims that it would increase participation, the Alaska Division of Elections reported that primary voter turnout was just 27.5% lower than Alaska's twenty fourteen, 39%, and twenty eighteen, 35.5.
2:37:00
Midterm primaries under the old system.
2:37:04
Worse, it was the worst voter confusion was misspred.
2:37:07
And in 2022, a study by Alaska Survey Research found that only 48% of voters fully understood how the new voting system worked heading into that election, even after extensive public education efforts.
2:37:19
In diverse, multilingual, and highly density cities like New York, that kind of confusion could disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters, especially low income immigrants like myself and elderly communities.
2:37:31
This potential for disenfranchisement should be cause for concern to all New Yorkers.
2:37:35
If we reallythe Final Four also risks amplifying the role of big money and name recognition, named candidates must first campaign in wide open nonpartition fields, and then again in a ranked choice general election.
2:37:47
That means double the fundraising, double the advertisement, double the barriers for grassroots and BIPOC people of color candidates facing structural disadvantage.
2:37:57
Only those with deep pockets will be able to compete effectively.
2:38:02
If you want to increase voter turnout, focus on systems that have proven track records, move local elections to align with state and federal elections, implement automatic voter registration, work to pass same date registration, and more importantly, improve civic engagement across the city.
2:38:17
By focusing on these proven reforms, we can build a stronger and more inclusive democracy.
2:38:22
Why would we throw away to chase a trendy but unproven reform?
2:38:25
Final Four is still an experiment.
2:38:27
It has not been tested in any city remotely as large, diverse, and complex as New York, it comes with real risk.
2:38:35
Voter confusions suppress turnout and a greater advantage for wealthy and connected candidates.
2:38:40
Why is this even being considered?
2:38:42
You must reject this Final Four Jungle Primary Proposal and focus instead on strengthening the reforms New Yorkers have already voted and for a legislation that has already been passed.
2:38:53
Strengthen reforms that are really delivering real democratic results.
2:38:58
Thank you.
Richard R. Buery Jr.
2:39:00
Thank you.
2:39:01
If you can hold in case there are questions.