What Are Ballot Measures?
Ballot measures are laws or questions that voters have the opportunity to weigh in on directly, as opposed to voting for representatives who then decide for us.
Proposition 1: Equal Protection of Law Amendment
This proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy. It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy.
Propositions 2 to 6: Where Did They Come From?
There are five other ballot questions – proposals two through six – that would amend the New York City Charter, the city’s governing document. The proposals would make a variety of changes, from adding barriers to city processes for budget approval and public safety legislation to expanding the purview of the Department of Sanitation.
Propositions 2 to 6: What Do They Say?
Proposition 2: Fiscal Responsibility
- This proposal would require the executive branch to submit a budget estimate before a public hearing on a bill is held.
- Opponents say that requiring the executive branch to submit a budget estimate would delay lawmaking processes and give the mayor’s office a “de facto veto” of proposed legislation.
Proposition 3: More Notice and Time Before Votes on Public Safety Legislation
- This proposal would require additional public notice and time before the City Council votes on laws respecting the public safety operations of the Police, Correction, or Fire Departments.
- The Charter Revision Commission argues that since public safety is of “central importance” to the city, it requires a different public input process than other legislation.
Proposition 4: Capital Planning
- This proposal would amend the City Charter to require more detail in the annual assessment of City facilities, mandate that facility needs inform capital planning, and update capital planning deadlines.
- Opponents say that this proposal does not actually draw on the recommendations of the Comptroller’s office and is a “cynical effort to distract New Yorkers.”
Proposition 5: Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), film permits, and archive review boards
- This proposal would establish the Chief Business Diversity Officer (CBDO), authorize the Mayor to designate the office that issues film permits, and combine archive boards.
- The proposal would merge two “redundant” archive boards, the Archival Review Board and the Archives, Reference and Research Advisory Board, to increase efficiency.
Conclusion
Voters in New York City will have the opportunity to decide on six ballot measures this November. Proposition 1, the Equal Protection of Law Amendment, would protect against unequal treatment based on various characteristics, while Propositions 2 to 6 would amend the New York City Charter to make changes to budget approval, public safety legislation, capital planning, and more.
FAQs
Q: What are ballot measures?
A: Ballot measures are laws or questions that voters have the opportunity to weigh in on directly, as opposed to voting for representatives who then decide for us.
Q: What is Proposition 1 about?
A: Proposition 1, the Equal Protection of Law Amendment, would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy.
Q: What is Proposition 2 about?
A: Proposition 2 would require the executive branch to submit a budget estimate before a public hearing on a bill is held.
Q: What is Proposition 3 about?
A: Proposition 3 would require additional public notice and time before the City Council votes on laws respecting the public safety operations of the Police, Correction, or Fire Departments.
Q: What is Proposition 4 about?
A: Proposition 4 would amend the City Charter to require more detail in the annual assessment of City facilities, mandate that facility needs inform capital planning, and update capital planning deadlines.
Q: What is Proposition 5 about?
A: Proposition 5 would establish the Chief Business Diversity Officer (CBDO), authorize the Mayor to designate the office that issues film permits, and combine archive boards.
Q: What is Proposition 6 about?
A: Proposition 6 would merge two “redundant” archive boards, the Archival Review Board and the Archives, Reference and Research Advisory Board, to increase efficiency.
Q: Can I learn more about the ballot measures?
A: Yes, you can check your mailboxes for an NYC Votes Voter Guide from the NYC Campaign Finance Board that was just mailed out this week.
