For years, New York City has employed a majority wins all electoral system. This included the election’s of the Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President, and City Council. However, this year, things are a little different. Our regular elections are going to remain the same, but our primary elections will be ranked choice voting elections. So, you need to know what is new to the voting process, and how you can take advantage of your right to vote.
- When you first get your ballot, you will be given a choice to vote for any candidate. However, this choice is not as simple as saying that this candidate is your number one choice. Instead you will rank your top five candidates, giving each contender a vote, be it a 1st choice vote or a 5th choice vote. But, you have the choice not to give votes to other candidates.
- Once your ballot is placed and counted, the elimination of candidates begins. Each candidate has their 1st choice votes counted, and then the candidate with the least number of 1st choice votes is eliminated. Then the voters who cast their first choice votes will have their second choice votes counted. The candidate with the least number of votes in this next cycle will be eliminated. This cycle will continue until there is a candidate who has 50% of the votes. So, it is extremely important to choose your top 5.
- Now, all you have to do is wait for the primary election, where you can finally put your candidate into the office they are running for.