70+ New York City Candidates Oppose Delay to RCV, Push Council on Education

Candidates in the same district, and former EDs of the BLAC, unite

NEW YORK, NY (12/16/2020) (readMedia)-- Today, over 70 candidates from across the city -- some running against each other -- released a statement in support of ranked choice voting (RCV) and opposing any delay. Instead they pushed the NYC Council to do its job and pass intro 1994, a bill that will fully fund voter education on RCV.

The full statement with signers including mayoral candidates Dianne Morales and Carlos Menchaca, former BLA (Black, Latino, Asian) Caucus executive director Corey Ortega, and 70+ others, below:

"We are candidates for City Council, Borough President, and Office of the Mayor, many running in the same race. Today we stand united, to voice our unwavering support for implementing Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in New York City. Ranked Choice Voting, an electoral system approved by New York City voters by a margin of nearly 3-1, will ensure that the winner will be chosen by the majority of the district. In majority minority districts, like many of ours, this is especially important. RCV allows you to vote in support of the candidates you believe would best represent you, instead of against the candidate you oppose. RCV empowers voters by eliminating the possibility of a "spoiler" effect, allowing voters to express their true preferences.

The fact is RCV is a pro-voter reform that will lift up communities primarily made up of minority residents, while opening the door to first time candidates like many of us. Voters are smart, and they supported RCV with almost 75% of the vote: our job is to respect that decision. We have more than enough time to educate people on how to apply something they already do every day to the election. The change to RCV was an important factor for many of the candidates for municipal office from across the city in deciding to run for city council in 2021. In the midst of an economic crisis, RCV will save us money by eliminating costly run-off elections so we can put that money into social services our communities need.

If Councilmembers are genuinely concerned about educating voters, show us you care by voting to immediately pass Int 1994-2020 with an increase in funding to ten million dollars for voter outreach, instead of suing to delay this necessary reform that puts power back in the hands of the people where it rightfully belongs. When all partners in this process hold up their end of the bargain, from the City Council, Board of Elections, and Campaign Finance Board to civic education organizations like Common Cause and Rank the Vote, the voters will do their part and exercise their democratic rights, as they did in passing RCV. We are currently exploring legal options as the suit moves forward but as future leaders, we must put the city's interests first, and move forward with RCV to strengthen democracy in our communities."

Carlos Menchaca, Candidate

New York City Mayor

Dianne Morales, Candidate

New York City Mayor

Gigi Li, Candidate

City Council District 01 (Manhattan)

Jenny Low, Candidate

City Council District 01 (Manhattan)

Dennis Mihalsky, Candidate

City Council District 01 (Manhattan)

Tiffany Winbush, Candidate

City Council District 01 (Manhattan)

Erik Bottcher, Candidate

City Council District 03 (Manhattan)

Phelan Dante Fitzpatrick, Candidate

City Council District 03 (Manhattan)

Aleta LaFargue, Candidate

City Council District 03 (Manhattan)

Arthur Schwartz, Candidate

City Council District 03 (Manhattan)

Billy Freeland, Candidate

City Council District 05 (Manhattan)

Rebecca Lamorte, Candidate

City Council District 05 (Manhattan)

Kim Moscaritolo, Candidate

City Council District 05 (Manhattan)

Chris Sosa, Candidate

City Council District 05 (Manhattan)

Sara Lind, Candidate

City Council District 06 (Manhattan)

Jeffrey Omura, Candidate

City Council District 06 (Manhattan)

Marti G. Allen-Cummings, Candidate