A closer look at the 2024 New York City ballot proposals

NEW YORK – New York City residents may be wondering the ballot propositions they will vote on this election.

Like everyone else in the Empire State, they will vote on Proposal 1the Equality Act. Proponents say it would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. Opponents say its vague language in establishing new protected classes could have unintended and unforeseen consequences.

In addition to the statewide Proposition 1, residents of the Big Apple will tackle a number of proposals that would change the city’s charter.

All of these New York City propositions were placed on the ballot by the mayor’s office to stave off an attempt by the City Council to add a ballot proposition of its own. That City Council proposal would have given the council a new authority — called advise and consent — to approve mayoral appointments to nearly two dozen city agencies, Marcia Kramer of CBS News New York reports.

In state government, all commissioners are approved by the state senate. That’s not the case in New York City, although a couple of state lawmakers are introducing a bill to change that. However, that bill will not be voted on until after the Legislature goes back into session in 2025.

Early voting is already underway in New York and runs through Sunday, November 3. Polls reopen on election day – Tuesday 5 November – from 6:00 a.m. to 21.00 throughout the country.

Here’s a closer look at the proposals you’ll see on the New York City ballot.

What is Proposition 2 in New York City?

Proposal 2: Changes to street cleaning and requirements for waste containers. This is part of an ongoing effort by New York City Mayor Eric Adams container garbage and eliminate rats. That would give the Sanitation Department more power to enforce citywide litter regulations, which could anger small businesses. It would also allow the Sanitation Department to ticket street vendors.

What is Proposition 3 in New York City?

Proposal 3: Change of fiscal analysis and budget deadlinewhich would require the City Council to conduct fiscal analyzes before holding hearings or voting on laws. It would also authorize fiscal analysis by the mayor and update budget deadlines. The idea here is to ensure that the budget implications are considered before certain proposals are made, before cuts or additions are made to the budget. That’s what the city council says it will increase legislative red tape and add “unnecessarily redundant reviews of proposed laws.” This measure is supported by the nonpartisan Citizens Budget Commission.

What is Proposition 4 in New York City?

Proposal 4: Additional Public Notice Prior to City Council Vote on Public Safety Amendmentwhich would require more public notice before the City Council votes on laws regarding the public safety of the NYPD, FDNY or Department of Correction. This is an outgrowth of concerns over a series of city council measures that the NYPD and police union say would make it harder to do their jobs, including the law “How many stops”.. This is part of the ongoing battle between factions who believe the police need more regulation. The New York Civil Liberties Union has expressed opposition to the measure.

What is Proposition 5 in New York City?

Proposal 5: Change of capital planningwhich would put more scrutiny annually on how city facilities are maintained and require those facilities’ needs to inform capital planning. The city council again opposes this, saying it ignores recommended reforms that would improve transparency in the capital planning process.

What is Proposition 6 in New York City?

Proposal 6: Amendment of Minority and Women Owned Businesses and Film Permitswhich would establish the creation of a city Chief Business Diversity Officer and authorize the mayor to designate which office issues film permits. The idea here would be to promote more access to minority and women-owned businesses in the film industry.

Marcia Kramer contributed to this report.