To Rock the Vote, Flip That Ballot!

In New York City

There are three questions on the ballot for voters in New York City, the result of a commission created by Mayor de Blasio to consider changes to the City Charter, which is like its constitution. The commission focused on issues related to the democratic process, held public hearings and came up with the following: 

Community Boards

Voters will be asked whether there should be term limits for community board members.

• If approved, this measure would limit board members to four consecutive two-year terms. Members then could be appointed again after taking a term off.
• The measure would also require Borough Presidents to seek out diverse appointments for the boards.
• If approved, the new term limits would be phased in for community board members starting in April 2019.

Proponents say this will encourage fresh perspectives and diversify the pool of people who serve. Critics say the issues members advise on are complex, and additional experience makes them better advocates for their neighborhoods.  

Campaign Finance

Voters will decide whether to lower the ceiling on contributions to candidates running for office in the city, and increase public matching funds.

• Caps on contributions from individuals would be lowered by more than 60 percent
• Matching rates would increase from $6 to $8 in public funds for every $1 in private contributions.
• If passed, this would apply to willing candidates during the 2021 primary, and all candidates in 2022.

Proponents say this would reduce the influence of money in politics, or the perception of the influence of money in politics. Opponents say wealthy candidates will just opt out of the program, like they already do, and wealthy donors will get around it by contributing through independent expenditures. 

Civic Engagement

This measure would create yet another commission to strengthen democracy in New York City.

• The proposed Civic Engagement Commission would focus on increasing participatory budgeting, expanding language access at polling sites and supporting community organizations.
• Commissioners would be appointed by the mayor, the City Council and the borough presidents.
• The commission would begin its work by summer 2020.

Proponents say the commission could bring more, and more diverse, voters to the polls, and get more people involved in their communities. Critics don't want another level of bureaucracy and worry about the commission being politicized. 

The New York City Council also convened a Charter Revision Commission, which is still meeting, for a broader review of the charter. That commission will be crafting questions for the 2019 ballot.

In New Jersey

Public question 1 in New Jersey asks voters to approve a school projects bond. A yes vote would allow the state to borrow $500 million dollars in bonds, essentially to borrow the money to offer grants to vocational schools, college technical programs, school water infrastructure and school security.