Two statewide ballot measures that would repeal provisions of the state constitution and allow same-day voter registration and universal voting by mail were voted on by New Yorkers on Tuesday.
The measures – Question 3 and Question 4 – were supported by a large number of New York City voters, even though at least 200,000 in the five boroughs left that part of their ballot blank.
However, the provisions were fiercely opposed in many counties in the north of the state – including Erie County, home to the deeply democratic city of Buffalo. Neither scale got more than 40 percent of the vote.
The third measure—Question 1—would have removed partisan requirements ensuring that new district maps had to receive some support from at least one member of Albany’s minority party, the Republicans. He also appeared to be heading for defeat with only 39 per cent saying yes.
Meanwhile, voters approved measures to add the right to clean air and water to the state constitution — known as Question 2 — and also approved Question 5, which raised the damages ceiling in New York City civil court to $50,000.
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