A closer look at New York City's 2024 election proposals

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

Like everyone else in the Empire State, they will vote on it Proposal 1the Equal Rights Act. Supporters say it will enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution. Opponents say the vague wording of creating new protected classes could have unintended and unforeseen consequences.

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

All of these New York City proposals were placed on the ballot by the mayor's office to prevent an attempt by the City Council to add its own ballot proposal. This City Council proposal would have given the City Council new powers — called “advice and consent” — to approve mayoral appointments for nearly two dozen city agencies, Marcia Kramer of CBS News New York reports.

In the state government, all commissioners are confirmed by the state senate. That's not the case in New York City, although two state lawmakers are introducing a bill to change that. However, this bill will not be voted on until after the next legislative session in 2025.

Early voting is already underway in New York and runs until Sunday, November 3rd. Polls will reopen statewide on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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

What is Proposition 2 in New York City?

Proposal 2: Change street cleaning and waste container requirements. This is part of an ongoing attempt by New York City Mayor Eric Adams to do so Keep trash in containers and get rid of rats. It would give the Sanitation Department more power to enforce trash regulations citywide, which could draw the ire of small businesses. It would also allow the sanitation department to sell tickets to street vendors.

What is Proposition 3 in New York City?

Proposal 3: Financial analysis and budget deadline change, which would require the City Council to conduct a financial analysis before holding hearings or votes on legislation. It would also authorize a financial analysis by the mayor and update budget deadlines. The aim here is to ensure that, before making certain proposals, the budgetary impact is taken into account before any cuts or additions are made to the budget. The city council says it will increase legislative red tape and add “unnecessarily redundant reviews of proposed laws.” This measure is supported by the bipartisan Citizens Budget Commission.

What is Proposition 4 in New York City?

Proposition 4: Additional public notice prior to the City Council vote on the public safety amendment, which would require increased public notice before the City Council votes on legislation relating to NYPD, FDNY, or Department of Corrections public safety measures. This comes as a result of concerns over a series of City Council actions that the NYPD and police unions argue would make it harder to do their jobs. including the “How Many Stops” law. This is part of the ongoing battle between factions that believe police need more regulation. The New York Civil Liberties Union has spoken out against the measure.

What is Proposition 5 in New York City?

Proposal 5: Change to capital planning that would more closely examine the maintenance of city facilities on an annual basis and require that the needs of those facilities be incorporated into capital planning. The City Council again rejects this, saying it is ignoring recommended reforms that would improve transparency in the capital planning process.

What is Proposition 6 in New York City?

Proposition 6: Minority- and women-owned businesses and film permits amendment, which would create a city chief business diversity officer and authorize the mayor to determine which office issues film permits. The idea here would be to promote greater access to minorities and women-owned businesses in the film industry.

Marcia Kramer contributed to this report.