We Mark Our Ballot: State Propositions

State Propositions

Listen carefully: Be sure to flip your ballot over. There are five state propositions this year, and you don’t want to miss the chance to register your opinions. Here are ours.

Proposition 1 makes changes to the redistricting process for Congress and the State Legislature, and sets the number of state senators at 63, with no ability for the legislature to increase or decrease it. It affirms a state law that inmates must be counted at their home address, not the location of their prison. It also clarifies that all residents are counted in the redistricting process, regardless of citizenship, whether or not the federal census counted them — essential after the recent shenanigans with the census. The proposal also seeks to change the voting requirements for the redistricting process and, according to the Board of Elections, would delete provisions in the state constitution that violate the U.S. Constitution. This proposal includes some important housekeeping and ensures better representation for New Yorkers. Vote yes.

Proposition 2 is simple and powerful: It would amend Article 1 of the state constitution to include, among the state residents’ rights, the right to “clean air and water and a healthful environment.” The way that will be interpreted is the measure of its effectiveness, but the next few decades will draw a stark line between states that are moving into a cleaner, greener future, and those that are going the wrong way. No-brainer. Vote yes.

Proposition 3 eliminates the requirement that citizens must register to vote 10 days in advance of an election. This will enable same-day voter registration, which is a missing piece in making it easier to vote. Vote yes to support voting rights.

Likewise, Proposition 4 makes it easier for all citizens to vote. It eliminates the requirement that voters must be absent from the county or have an illness or physical disability in order to vote by mail. Vote yes. Voting should be easier, not harder.

Proposition 5 concerns New York City Civil Court. It doubles the maximum claim that the court can hear from $25,000 to $50,000. This amendment is a common-sense change that will reduce the caseload for the State Supreme Court, which will benefit taxpayers statewide. Make it a clean sweep and vote yes on Prop 5.