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Q&A
The NYC-DSA's position on alternative primary reform models
3:27:06
·
118 sec
Commissioner Diane Savino questions Angelo Pis-Dudot of the NYC-DSA about his testimony.
Pis-Dudot clarifies that the DSA is not defending the current closed primary system but believes the proposed top-two model is "particularly bad."
He argues the commission should have studied more meritorious options like a top-four system or proportional representation.
He also states that many DSA members are independents and that the organization wants more viable political options beyond the "rigged two-party system."
- The DSA's opposition is specifically to the top-two model, which they see as flawed, not to the concept of primary reform in general.
- They believe other systems, like top-four or proportional representation, would better serve voters.
- Many DSA members are registered as independents because they do not identify with the Democratic Party, even though the chapter strategically aligns with it.
Diane Savino
3:27:06
One.
3:27:07
I've I've one.
3:27:08
I've I've promised only one, to the to the young man from the DSA.
3:27:12
So if I heard you correctly, you're not opposed to the concept of reforming the primary process.
3:27:18
You don't like the top two because you referenced the Alaska system, which is top four.
3:27:23
So is is that is that accurate, or did I not not understand you?
Angelo Pis-Dudot
3:27:26
We we are not coming to testify today in support of a particular proposal, and I should note that the New York City Democratic Socialist Of America does not defend close primary systems.
3:27:39
It's only that the top two system that the commission has so far evaluated in-depth and not evaluated in-depth other worthwhile meritorious electoral systems that are used around the world, proportional representation, have not received the same amount of study.
3:27:55
The top two system is particularly bad.
3:27:58
If we're gonna do electoral reform, we should do it right.
Diane Savino
3:28:01
Thank you.
3:28:01
I'm glad I'm happy I asked that question because I wanted to make sure I understood.
3:28:04
And then finally, because the DSA is a growing subsidiary, you want to call it the Democratic Party even though you guys aren't, do you ever reach out to unaffiliated voters to try and encourage them to join the DSA or enroll in a party or be able to participate?
Angelo Pis-Dudot
3:28:18
Absolutely.
3:28:19
Tons of New York City Democratic Socialists of America members are independent voters because they do not identify with the Democratic Party.
3:28:27
We, as a chapter, have chosen to strategically align ourselves with the Democratic party because we think it's best for our interest in New York City's two party system.
3:28:37
What I think myself and a lot of independent voters do not appreciate about our politics is that we are for to choose between two options with the other options not really being viable.
3:28:49
We want other viable we want other viable options, not a rigged two party system that keeps giving people the same again and again and again.
Diane Savino
3:29:00
I agree with the DSA.
3:29:02
I never thought I'd say that.
3:29:04
You.