What Constitutional Amendments Are On The Ballot In NYC?

NEW YORK CITY — New Yorkers going to the polls today won't just vote for their new mayor and their City Council representation — they have the option to approve or deny a handful of state constitutional amendments as well.

Though only one of the five ballot proposals is focused specifically on New York City, all of them have the potential to affect New Yorkers — from the way they vote to the way their districts are drawn.

Looking for a rundown of each amendment? Patch has you covered, with information from the New York State Board of Elections.

Ballot Proposal 1: Amending the Appointment and Redistricting Process

The first ballot proposal focuses mainly on the redistricting process, altering the way district lines for congressional and state legislative offices are drawn. If approved, the amendment would freeze the number of New York state senators at 63.

It would also allow the state redistricting commission to appoint co-executive directors by a simple majority vote, rather than requiring that one be a Democrat and the other a Republican.

Lastly, the amendment would negate a law requiring that at least one Democrat and one Republican support newly-drawn redistricting maps before they're approved.

A "yes" vote would implement these changes, while a "no" vote would leave the system as-is.

Ballot Proposal 2: Right to Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthful Environment

This proposal would establish the right of each person to "clean air and water and a healthful environment."

Ballot Proposal 3: Eliminating Ten-Day Advance Voter Registration Requirement

The third proposal would remove New York State's current prohibition on citizens registering to vote within 10 days of an election. The passage of this proposal would allow the Legislature to enact laws permitting citizens to register to vote within 10 days of an election, including same-day voter registration.

Ballot Proposal 4: Authorizing No-Excuse Absentee Ballot Voting

Currently, New York State residents can only vote by absentee ballot if they expect to be absent from the county of their residence (or, in the case of New York City, outside of the city) on Election Day, or if they are unable to appear at their polling place because of an illness or physical disability.

This proposed amendment would remove that requirement, giving lawmakers the option to expand/permanently implement voting by mail.

Ballot Proposal 5: Increasing New York City Civil Court's Jurisdiction

If passed, this amendment would allow the New York City Civil Court to hear and decide claims for up to $50,000 instead of the current jurisdictional limit of $25,000.