Board of Elections certifies complete city ballot, allowing Charter questions to remain on the ballot.

At 1 p.m. tomorrow, the 10-member New York City Board of Elections is set to certify the complete ballot for the upcoming general election on November 4. This process includes the candidates vying for state and local public offices, starting from the mayoral race down to the single statewide ballot question and four proposed amendments to the City Charter.

Concerns have emerged regarding the potential withholding of three of the four Charter questions from the ballot, allegedly orchestrated by Frank Seddio, the Brooklyn Democratic Commissioner. This maneuver appears to involve the leadership of the City Council under Speaker Adrienne Adams. Excluding these legitimate measures, which address crucial issues such as land use and the delineation of powers between the Council and the mayor, would not only undermine the integrity of the election process but also violate the commissioners’ duties. Such actions could prompt New York Governor Kathy Hochul to consider removing any commissioner who votes against certifying the ballot, as they would be infringing upon a well-defined democratic procedure.

Seddio’s role in the Board of Elections has previously raised eyebrows, with warnings about his fitness for the position surfacing since his appointment. Critics have noted his longstanding association with the Brooklyn Democratic establishment, as well as allegations of ethical breaches during his tenure as a judge, prompting a formal investigation and subsequent resignation.

During the recent Board of Elections meeting, Seddio expressed alignment with Speaker Adams, who contended that the three Charter amendments should be excluded from the ballot on the grounds that they are confusing. The Speaker, flanked by other Council leaders, argued in an August 28 letter that the amendments might remove powers from the Council concerning land use issues, claiming the language in the proposals lacks clarity. However, a review of the situation reveals that the City’s Charter Revision Commission approved the language on July 21, subsequently validated by the City Clerk on August 4—who is appointed by the Council itself. The Council had the option to challenge these decisions through a lawsuit, which they did not pursue.

The role of the Board of Elections is fundamentally administrative, serving to place certified language approved by authorized bodies onto the ballot. Legal experts have emphasized that the Board’s responsibilities resemble those of the U.S. vice president during the Electoral College vote certification—a purely procedural function, devoid of partisan influence.

Intentionally confusing ballot language has been a tactic used in the past, such as in 1996, when a charter question aimed to manipulate voter perception regarding term limits. Despite this historical context, the duty of the Board remains clear: to certify ballots according to the law without subjective interference.

As election preparations proceed, it is imperative for all members of the Board of Elections to uphold their obligation to certify the complete ballot, reflecting the will of the electorate rather than their personal beliefs. Maintaining fidelity to democratic principles is paramount as the city heads toward this critical election. Media News Source reports.