New York’s Opportunity to Enhance Local Democracy Through Improved Voting Options

In the 2021 New York City mayoral general election, voter turnout plummeted to a staggering low, with approximately 23% of registered voters participating. This translates to over one million out of a population of approximately eight and a half million residents determining the future leadership of City Hall. This alarming trend has raised concerns over democratic engagement in local elections, a phenomenon that has been gradually worsening since 1989, when approximately 60% of registered voters cast their ballots in the mayoral contest.

As New Yorkers prepare for the upcoming elections this November, they have a unique opportunity to address this pressing issue through Proposal Six, which is on the ballot. This proposed City Charter amendment seeks to align local elections with even-numbered years, coinciding with federal elections. A “yes” vote on Proposal Six would schedule city elections, including those for the mayor, comptroller, and City Council, to occur simultaneously with presidential elections, when voter participation is notably higher.

Historically, voter engagement in New York City’s off-year elections has been dismal. In stark contrast, nearly three million New Yorkers participated in the 2020 presidential election, yielding a turnout rate of approximately 61%. This figure is nearly triple the number of votes cast during the previous mayoral election. By synchronizing local elections with presidential contests, New York could see a similar spike in civic participation, ensuring that elected officials reflect the diverse population of the city.

Research indicates that aligning local contests with federal elections fosters increased engagement among traditionally underrepresented demographics. For instance, turnout among Black and Asian voters commonly triples, and Latino turnout increases significantly during presidential years. Additionally, the participation of young voters aged 18 to 29 jumps dramatically from 12% in odd years to 58% in presidential years. Enhanced participation in local elections leads to increased awareness and visibility for pressing local issues, candidates, and offices.

Critics of this amendment argue that voters may neglect local races in favor of federal ones; however, historical evidence refutes this claim. When local races are held in high-turnout years, overall participation experiences a substantial surge. Cities across the nation have witnessed turnout for mayoral and council races double or triple following similar shifts. In New York, a statewide ballot question in the 2024 presidential election garnered approximately 2.4 million votes, which is significantly more than the vote tally for the mayoral race in 2021.

Beyond improving turnout rates, this initiative aims to bridge longstanding participation gaps, particularly for young voters and communities of color who are often underrepresented in odd-year elections. An increase in voter participation necessitates that elected officials cater to a broader constituency, driving them to address issues impacting a wider spectrum of the city’s population.

Moreover, aligning local elections with national contests is likely to enhance media coverage and civic engagement. The heightened attention during presidential election years can facilitate greater public interest in local issues. Civic organizations assert that they are more successful in mobilizing and educating voters when local elections coincide with larger electoral cycles.

Finally, this amendment is not just a matter of civic responsibility; it also presents practical financial benefits. Consolidating election years has the potential to save the city tens of millions of dollars, resources that can be redirected towards critical services such as education, housing, and public safety. Other cities, including Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Austin, have experienced marked improvements in voter turnout and representation after making this change.

The current off-cycle election calendar may have been sensible in the past, but it now appears to stifle public engagement and consolidate power among a small faction of committed voters. This November, New Yorkers have the chance to take a significant step toward revitalizing civic participation by voting in favor of Proposal Six, a move that could ultimately shape the future of democracy in the city.

As the election approaches, the importance of every vote is amplified. Supporting Proposal Six is an investment in the democratic process and the betterment of New York City.