Spotlight: NY Ballot Measures

VID has endorsed Prop 1 and AGAINST Ballot Measures 2-6. Yes on Prop 1, NIX 2-6!

VOTE YES on Prop 1: protect reproductive rights, including abortion, in New York, ensuring future politicians can’t roll them back and strengthen protections against discrimination, closing loopholes in the state constitution to safeguard all New Yorkers, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, pregnancy status, disability, or LGBT identity.

VOTE NO—Ballot Measure 2: The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) handles the city's waste system but has limited jurisdiction over certain City-owned properties, which fall under the Departments of Transportation and Parks. The proposed amendments would transfer full sanitation authority to DSNY, giving it control over all City property. This measure is unnecessary and won’t improve trash collection. DSNY already has the authority to handle these tasks without charter changes. The revision could create budget conflicts with other departments, and with ongoing budget cuts and the expansion of composting, it could worsen the city’s waste management challenges. -Nat Johnson, VID Environmental Committee Chair.

VOTE NO—Ballot Measure 3: Appears to be a technical adjustment to budget processes, but it would significantly expand the mayor’s power, reducing checks and balances. While it claims to streamline government, it could delay critical services and allow mayors to block initiatives like housing and childcare that benefit New Yorkers.

VOTE NO—Ballot Measure 4: Changes how laws affecting the NYPD, Fire Department, and Department of Correction are passed. It risks giving the NYPD undue influence in the legislative process, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in policing at a time when these issues are under scrutiny.

VOTE NO—Ballot Measure 5: This proposal promises to improve city planning but is widely criticized for being ineffective. The city’s Comptroller has even called it a “transparently false” measure, stating that it does not meaningfully improve transparency or planning processes.

VOTE NO—Ballot Measure 5: Claims to address Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) but mainly renames an office without offering new support. It also includes unrelated changes, such as combining archive boards and adjusting film permit processes, which suggests it was rushed and lacks clear focus.

Sources for #3-6: No Power Grab, NY City Council

NY elected officials who OPPOSE Props 2-6