Bill > S07249

This bill introduces instant run-off voting (IRV) for city-wide primary elections in New York City for the offices of mayor, public advocate, and comptroller. Under this system, voters can rank up to five candidates in order of preference, with the ability to mark a first, second, third choice, and so on. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes in the first round, the top two candidates proceed to a second round of ballot counting, where ballots are tallied based on voters' ranked preferences. The ballot will include clear instructions on how to rank candidates, emphasizing that ranking additional candidates will not harm a voter's first choice. The board of elections will be authorized to use mechanical or electronic devices for sorting, counting, and tabulating votes, with the stipulation that any modifications must substantially conform to the existing election law. The new voting system is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, giving election officials ample time to prepare for the change. This bill aims to provide voters with more nuanced electoral choices by allowing them to express preferences beyond a single candidate.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7249