Election Day Ballot Propositions

November 5^th, 2019 is Election Day in New York City, although the only citywide race on the is the one for Public Advocate (Incumbent Democrat Jumaane Williams against Republican Councilman Joe Borelli), there are several ballot propositions which would amend the New York City Charter which City residents need to be aware of:

1. Elections
   • Establish ranked-choice voting (RCV) for citywide offices, Borough President, Council primary and special elections beginning in 2021. This would eliminate the primary run-off elections for citywide offices when no candidate receives 40% of the vote. RCV creates a ranking system for up to five candidates, whereby second choices etc. would be transferred to that candidate when the first choice is eliminated. Sometimes called an instant run-off, ranked-choice gives the voter more input in the process without the need for an additional, expensive election that could cost up to $15 million.
   • Extend the time from 45 to 80 days between when an elected official leaves office during their term and a special election is held.
   • Amend the timeline for redistricting to ensure that district lines are drawn in a timely manner for future primary City Council elections.
2. NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board
   • Add two members to the 13 member Review Board, one appointed by the Public Advocate and one jointly appointed by the Mayor and the Speaker of the City Council (who would also serve as Chair).
   • Require the Police Commissioner to provide an explanation to the CCRB when they deviate from the CCRB’s disciplinary recommendations.
   • Authorize subpoena power for the CCRB Executive Director.
   • Allow the CCRB to investigate potentially false official statements made by an officer under investigation and to recommend discipline, if appropriate.
   • Guarantee the CCRB budget.
3. Ethics and Governance
   • Bans elected officials and senior appointed officials from lobbying the City government for two years after leaving city service.
   • Replaces two members of the Conflicts of Interest Board currently appointed by the Mayor with one appointed by the Comptroller and one by the Public Advocate.
   • Bans COIB board members from participating in campaigns for local elected offices and reduce the maximum amount of money that they can contribute (we believe this should extend to Community Board members as well).
   • Require the Citywide Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) Director report directly to the Mayor.
   • Require advice and consent—a system of checks and balances —by the City Council for the Mayor’s appointment of the Corporation Counsel.
4. City Budget
   • Allow the City to use a “rainy day fund” to save money for use in future years (if the state allows).
   • Guarantee the budgets for the Public Advocate and Borough Presidents.
   • Require the Mayor to submit the revenue estimate to the City Council by May 25 (instead of June 5).
   • Require the Mayor to submit budget modifications to the City Council within 30 days of updating the city’s financial plan.
5. Land Use
   • Give affected Community Boards, Borough Presidents, and Borough Boards advance notice of ULURP applications by requiring the Department of City Planning to provide a detailed project summary 30 days before the application is certified for public review.
   • Give Community Boards additional time during the summer to review ULURP applications.

Voter turnout in New York City is not particularly high during Citywide elections so the best guess is turnout this year will be abysmal. Still, if you don’t vote you can’t complain. Don’t ever abdicate your civic duty.

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