What are the NYC Ballot Proposals for Election Day Nov. 5th, 2024?

Voting in the general election (for the U.S. President) is important, and just as important is voting on proposals that will impact your community, your city, or your state. There will be 6 proposals on the ballot when New York City residents go to vote on Tuesday, November 5th 2024 in the general election.

Unfortunately, many if not most New York City residents are not aware of the aforementioned proposals or their impact (proposals 1-6 posted below). The New York City Council has provided an opinion on their website that rejects proposals 2-6 on the basis that the Mayor's Charter Revision Commission has pushed through these proposals without due process of law, bypassing New York City residents right to provide input on these laws that will alter the city's constitution.

New York City Council's Opinion in Regards to the 6 Ballot Proposals NYC Council Ballot Proposals 2024

On the back of this year’s General Election ballot, voters will have the opportunity to decide 6 ballot proposals. Proposal 1 is statewide and proposes adding anti-discrimination provisions to the State Constitution. Proposals 2 through 6 are the result of Mayor Adams’ rushed Charter Revision Commission and could significantly impact the responsiveness, transparency, and accountability of city government to New Yorkers. Earlier this year, Mayor Adams rushed through a Charter Revision Commission process to advance ballot proposals that would change the city’s constitution. They could weaken checks-and-balances, making city government less responsive to New Yorkers.
The commission bypassed the current lawmaking process — which allows New Yorkers to shape our laws with their input over the course of 271 days — advancing the mayor’s proposals to the General Election ballot just 2 days after they were announced publicly.

Proposals obtained from NYC Votes 10/8/24

Ballot Proposal 1: Adds Certain Protections to the State Bill of Rights

The proposal adds protections to the State Constitution’s Bill of Rights to prohibit discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, origin, age, disability, and sex — including sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes. It would also protect New Yorkers who seek access to reproductive healthcare from discrimination on that basis.

To Learn More Ballot Proposal 1

Ballot Proposal 2: Cleaning Public Property

The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) would have increased authority to keep all city property clean, including parks and highway medians, and to hold street vendors accountable for following rules at those locations. It would also allow DSNY to regulate how New Yorkers put out their garbage for collection.

To Learn More Ballot Proposal 2

Ballot Proposal 3: Additional Estimates of the Cost of Proposed Laws and Updates to Budget Deadlines

The City Council provides cost estimates of proposed laws before voting on them. The proposal would give the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget the opportunity to provide its own cost estimates for proposed laws and require the Council to publish their cost estimates before public hearings on proposed laws. This proposal would also require the Council to formally notify the Mayor’s office before holding public hearings or votes on proposed laws. Lastly, this proposal would extend the deadline for certain budget reports in the first year of a new Mayoral administration, and permanently extend the deadline for the Mayor to publish their annual City budget.

To Learn More Ballot Proposal 3

Ballot Proposal 4: More Notice and Time Before Votes on Public Safety Legislation

The Council must give 30 days notice before voting on public safety laws that impact the Police Department, Department of Correction, or the Fire Department. During this time, the Mayor and affected City agencies may also hold public hearings to hear additional public input.

Learn More Ballot Proposal 4

Ballot Proposal 5: Capital Planning

The City must assess the cost of maintaining city facilities, infrastructure, and investments and publish these assessments in capital planning reports.

Learn More Ballot Proposal 5

Ballot Proposal 6: Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBES), Film Permits, and Archive Review Boards

The proposal would create a new role to support MWBEs, allow the Mayor to designate which agency issues film permits, and merge two boards that manage city records into one.

Learn More Ballot Proposal 6