What's happening
This bill eliminates runoff primary elections in New York, making the candidate with the most votes the winner.
Why it matters
Eliminating runoff primaries means candidates can win even if they don’t secure a majority of votes. this could result in winners who have less than 50% support among primary voters, potentially changing the dynamics of who gets nominated, especially in crowded candidate fields.
The bill streamlines the election process and reduces costs. by removing the need for a second runoff election, saving taxpayer money and reducing the administrative burden on election officials.
Voter turnout patterns may shift. since there will be only one decisive primary round; this could affect strategic voting and campaign strategies, as candidates may focus on securing a strong plurality rather than building broad majority coalitions.
New York City’s unique runoff rules are eliminated. this could especially impact high-profile local races where runoffs have previously played a decisive role, altering the pathways to office for candidates in the city.
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Who cares
Headline styles
End Primary Runoff Elections
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to election law
- Referred to election law
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3637
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 30, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. ORTIZ -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to the determination of a winner of a primary election; and to repeal section 6-162 of the election law, subdivision 5 of section 3-705 and subdivision 6 of section 3-709 of the administrative code of the city of New York relating to run-off primary elections in the city of New York
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 6-160 of the election law is amended by adding a new subdivision 3 to read as follows:
3. The individual who receives the highest percentage of the total votes cast at the primary shall be deemed the winner of the primary.
§ 2. Section 6-162 of the election law is REPEALED.
§ 3. Subdivision 5 of section 3-705 of the administrative code of the city of New York is REPEALED.
§ 4. Subdivision 6 of section 3-709 of the administrative code of the city of New York is REPEALED.
§ 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08866-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.