Republicans in New York are turning to Nancy Reagan for their election messaging this voting cycle. They're telling voters to “just say no” to the first four statewide ballot questions which could amend the state’s constitution.
When you go to vote – whether it is early or on Election Day – you’ll find five ballot questions on the back of your ballot. The proposals touch on a variety of issues, from redistricting, the environment, voting rights and court reforms. The first ballot question has a number of provisions, but the main chunk of it would change the redistricting process and the timeframe for drawing new district lines.
- Your guide to New York's 2021 ballot questions: #1 — amending the state's redistricting process
- Your guide to New York's 2021 ballot questions: #2 — The right to clean air and water
- Your guide to New York's 2021 ballot questions: #3 — Amending voter registration timeline
- Your guide to New York's 2021 ballot questions: #4 — authorizing no-excuse absentee ballot voting
- Your guide to New York's 2021 ballot questions: #5 — increasing the jurisdiction of NYC Civil Court
State Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said he is encouraging a "no" vote on ballot question one to keep the redistricting process "fair." Barclay warns that changing the independent redistricting process, which is new this year, would lock out voices from the Republican Party and smaller parties like the Independence and Working Families parties.
Ballot question one would move up the timeline for when the maps will need to be drawn and approved by the state Legislature. Under the current system, if the first draft that is submitted by Jan. 15 is rejected by the Legislature, then a second map is due by Feb. 28. The change would require maps drawn by Jan. 1, and if rejected, a second plan due by Jan. 15. Under the current system, candidates may not know what district they are going to be in as they petition to be on the ballot. Barclay argues that is a problem of the Legislature’s own making and adds that he would support changing the primary date over changing the redistricting timeline.
The second ballot question would add language to the state constitution that would grant a right to clean air, water and a healthful environment. The minority leader who considers himself an “environmentalist” said he has concerns about the “open-endedness” of the proposal. Barclay fears the “open-endedness” could lead to more lawsuits that could harm farmers. Barclay offers that the Legislature should instead act on more specific instances of pollution.