A Sea Change in NYC Votes

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anked choice voting, a proposal approved by voters in last week’s election, will dramatically change the way primary elections are decided in New York City. The result will make it much harder for those holding minority views to win office.

It is rare for a referendum of this magnitude to be decided by voters in an off-year election, with no federal, state, or municipal races on the ballot. The light turnout ensured that ranked choice voting would be pushed through by the progressive activists advocating for it.

The new system will govern how New Yorkers vote in party primary elections, not in general elections. Whereas previously party members would cast ballots only for their single preferred candidate, now they will choose five, ranked in their order of preference.

Proponents of the measure claimed it would introduce civility into primary campaigns and push candidates to solicit votes outside their natural constituencies. But virtually all minorities — including the four frum lawmakers representing Boro Park and Flatbush, as well as many blacks and Hispanics — opposed it.