What's happening
This bill proposes a statewide referendum asking voters if they support dividing New York into two separate states.
Why it matters
Signals Widespread Dissatisfaction or Debate. By proposing a formal statewide vote on splitting New York, the bill reflects significant political, economic, or cultural divides within the state—especially between regions such as New York City and upstate—indicating that these differences are substantial enough to warrant public input on a major structural change.
Could Influence Future Political Boundaries and Representation. Although the referendum itself would not immediately alter state lines, a strong “yes” vote could pressure lawmakers to pursue the complex legal and political process of dividing the state, which would drastically affect congressional representation, state governance, and resource allocation.
Potential for Broader National Impact. If New York were to seriously consider dividing, it could set a precedent for other states facing similar internal divisions, encouraging similar referendums or legislative efforts elsewhere in the country.
Public Input on Major Constitutional Issue. The bill emphasizes direct democracy by putting a foundational question—state division—directly to voters. This could increase civic engagement and public awareness about the powers and processes of both state and federal government regarding the creation of new states.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Vote on Splitting New York
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to elections
- Referred to elections
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Split New York State Vote
In Assembly Committee · Local Governments · Sponsor Stephen Hawley
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
62
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by Sen. ROBACH -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Elections
AN ACT to provide for a referendum on the question "Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?"; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. There shall be submitted to the voters of the state at a general election held on or before December 31, 2020 the following question: "Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?"
§ 2. Such question shall be submitted in the manner provided in the election law, and the provisions of such law, not inconsistent with this act, relating to the submission of and to the taking, counting and returning of the vote and canvassing the results upon a question submitted pursuant to law to the voters of the state shall apply to the question herein required to be submitted. The ballots shall be in such form as prescribed by such law. When the board of elections shall have completed its canvass of the results of the vote upon such question, it shall forthwith certify the results of the vote upon such question to the secretary of the senate and clerk of the assembly.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire January 1, 2021 when upon such date the provisions of this act shall be deemed repealed.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02096-02-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to provide for a referendum on the question "Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?"; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
Purpose of bill
To allow the people of New York State to vote in a state wide election on the question of whether they support the division of New York into two separate states.
Summary of provisions
This bill would permit New York State, to place a non-binding initiative on the ballot, before December 31, 2018; as to whether the citizens of the state would support the division of New York into two separate states.
Justification
Presently, there is a large degree of apparent support for dividing New York into two separate states, so as to separate the distinct social and political concerns between upstate and downstate New York. This bill would help to measure this apparent support by permitting the state to place an initiative on the ballot to poll the citizens of New York on this issue.
Legislative history
2013-14 Referred to Elections 2015-16 Referred to Elections 2017-18 Referred to Elections
Fiscal implications
Minimal undetermined cost to counties to place an initiative on the ballot.
Effective date
This Act will take effect immediately and shall expire January 1, 2021.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.