NYSUT BACKS BALLOT PROPOSALS 1, 3, 4 Updated with results)

UPDATE

ALBANY – New York voters rejected three ballot proposals that would have implemented reforms favored by elected Democrats, including same-day voter registration and a measure that would have allowed anyone to cast an absentee ballot.

With 99% of election districts reporting, ballot proposals 1, 3 and 4 were easily defeated, a rare statewide victory for Republicans who helped organize opposition to the measures in a state that has a 2-to-1 Democratic enrollment advantage.

Voters easily approved proposal 2, which will install a right to clean air and clean water in the state constitution. They also authorized proposal 5, which will expand the jurisdiction of the New York City Civil Court.

Democrats in the state Legislature had expressed support for all five measures, having twice approved them in order to get them placed on the statewide ballot.

These are the five ballot proposals on Tuesday's ballot in NYS.

The Ballot Initiatives would: 

1. Amend New York State’s apportionment and redistricting process.  

2. Establish the right of each person to clean air and water and a healthful environment. 

3. Eliminate New York’s requirement that a citizen be registered to vote at least ten days before an election.  

4. Authorize no-excuse absentee voting.  

5. Allow the New York City Civil Court to hear and decide claims for up to $50,000 instead of the current limit of $25,000.  

NYSUT's recommendations:

VOTE YES on ballot proposals 1, 3 and 4

NYSUT strongly supports three of the five statewide ballot proposals voters will consider at the polls. If enacted, proposals 1, 3 and 4 would improve the state’s redistricting process, make it easier for voters to use absentee ballots, and eliminate the 10-day voter registration requirement.

Election day is Nov. 2. Early voting continues through Oct. 31. Contact your local board of elections for locations and times.