At the Charter Revision Commission’s final meeting yesterday, Chair Rich Buery said that even though it wasn’t on their agenda when the 13-member panel was formed by Mayor Adams in December, open primaries (also known as nonpartisan elections) “was the subject on which we received the most testimony.”
But despite that and despite the reform to switch to the same fair voting system used by 85% of U.S. cities (including the next two largest, L.A. and Chicago) and despite the sentiments of the strong majority of the commission in favor of open primaries, the voters will not have a question about that on their November general election ballots this year.
Instead, New Yorkers will be asked Question 5, “Proposed Charter Amendment: Move Local Elections to Presidential Election Years to Increase Voter Participation”: Meaning should elections for mayor, public advocate, comptroller, borough president and City Council be held at the same time as U.S. president?
But even if every eligible New Yorker registers to vote and every registered voter casts a ballot this fall and every ballot shows a “yes” on Question 5, those millions of votes aren’t even a dead letter.
You see, students, the balky and burdensome and badly outdated state Constitution explicitly mandates that city elections are to be held in odd years.
We’ve long advocated streamlining the Constitution by gathering a state constitutional convention. The last vote to approve such a Con Con was 2017 and we strongly urged a yes vote (as we did in 1997), but the political parties and the special interests teamed up to trash the measure and it was crushed by the voters 83%-17%. The next vote on whether or not to assemble a constitutional convention will be conducted in 2037. Put us down as yes for that in a dozen years hence.
Absent a constitutional convention, the Legislature, controlled by the party bosses, will have to approve an amendment to the Constitution to move the timing of the local elections. As though that will ever happen, not.
Brava to Diane Savino for voting no on this nothingness that will only serve to fool voters to believe that they are effecting change.
However, on the big issue, nonpartisan elections, which is being left off the ballot, Buery said “I remain personally convinced that it is time to open our primary system to independent voters.”
Sharon Greenberger said she is “personally committed” to the same.
Anita Laremont said the “time has come” for open primaries.
Lisette Nieves is also there, calling herself a “staunch supporter of unaffiliated voters.”
Julie Samuels spoke of her “regret to empower 1 million voters.”
Savino was “profoundly disappointed” in leaving out 1.1 million voters.”
Kathy Wylde was “deeply disappointed” that they weren’t voting for open primaries.
Shams DaBaron said “I want to apologize to my kids” who are registered independents and urged a truly democratic voting system.
Valerie White said she was disappointed and there “needs to be some changes” and wanted more discussion.
Grace Bonilla likewise wanted more discussion.
Only three on the panel, Leila Bozorg, Anthony Richardson and Carl Weisbrod, did not mention open primaries.
By our count that is eight in favor of open primaries, two wanting more discussion and three who were silent. Eight of 13 is 62%, so while they prater on about expanding democracy and letting the votes of everyone count, the commission didn’t even respect democracy and majority rule among its own members.
Savino, seconded by Wylde, wants Adams to appoint a new commission to focus on elections and democracy. He should do so and find people who have the courage of their convictions.
