Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
TESTIMONY
Testimony by Alan Cox on the need for open primaries
3:18:41
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143 sec
Alan Cox, a Harlem native and independent voter, testifies in strong support of putting a top-two open primary proposal on the ballot.
He argues that the system is not a radical experiment, as it is the norm in 85% of U.S. cities.
He believes it is far more fair than the current closed system, which not only shuts out independents but also silos party voters, and that it would make elected officials more accountable to all voters.
- Cox thanks the commission for listening to the many independent voters who have asked for full voting rights.
- He points out that top-two primaries are the standard in most American cities.
- He believes the system would ensure every voter has the opportunity to vote for every candidate, making elections more representative.
- As an independent, he has waited a long time for the opportunity for fair and full voting rights and asks the commission not to make him wait any longer.
Allen Cox
3:18:41
I look looking up at y'all, and y'all seem like a heavenly body.
3:18:46
I wanna welcome you to Harlem where I was born right across the street there.
3:18:55
My name is Alan Cox, and I wanted to come today, and say thank you for listening to so many independent voters like me who have come before you and asked for full voting rights to be given access to the primaries that we help pay for.
3:19:17
I know that you are now considering whether to put a top two open primary on the ballot this November, and I wanted to offer my full endorsement.
3:19:29
From LA to Boston, most cities in in in in most cities in between, Top two primaries are the norm in 85% of US cities.
3:19:39
So why must we debate this as if it's a radical experiment?
3:19:46
Top two primaries are the norm because they are far more fair than our current closed primaries, which not only shut out independents but also silo party voters as well.
3:20:02
Top two primaries feed all candidates and all voters equally, ensuring every voter has the opportunity to vote for every candidate.
3:20:13
I'd be thrilled to have this system here in New York City.
3:20:18
You may notice, but independents like me are much more likely to be ticket splitters than any other group of voters.
3:20:27
That's why every New York should be able every New Yorker should be able to consider all the candidates for an office.
3:20:36
Top two primaries would make our elections more representative and our elected officials more accountable.
3:20:44
I think this top two open primary system is a good fit for New York City.
3:20:50
I hope that you put it on the ballot this November.
3:20:54
As an independent, I've waited a very long time to have an opportunity for fair and full voting rights.
3:21:02
Please don't make me wait any longer.