NY Elections
New York's election laws have drifted away from the true purpose of elections: encouraging a broad debate of ideas and giving every voter a meaningful voice.
Today, millions of unaffiliated voters are excluded from primary elections, even though the winners of those primaries often determine who ultimately holds office. No voter should be shut out of the democratic process.
Open primaries would allow every voter to participate, regardless of party registration. Candidates would have to appeal to a broader cross-section of the public instead of focusing primarily on the most ideologically committed voters within their own party. That encourages practical solutions, independent thinking, and greater accountability.
Competition is essential to democracy. When one political organization dominates elections, fewer voices are heard, fewer ideas are debated, and meaningful competition declines. In many parts of New York City, the primary election has effectively become the general election, leaving many voters without a meaningful choice.
Public office should be a period of public service, not a lifetime career. Term limits would bring fresh perspectives, reduce the advantages of incumbency, and remind elected officials that they serve the people—not the other way around.
To create elections that are more fair, competitive, and representative, New York should adopt:
Open Primaries
Term Limits
Easier Ballot Access for Unaffiliated Candidates
Statewide Ranked-Choice Voting