Press Release: Legal Analysis Clears Path for Ranked Choice Voting and Ballot Access Reforms in Buffalo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 27, 2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

Buffalo, NY — The Buffalo Charter Revision Commission received expert legal analysis on proposed amendments to the Buffalo City Charter, including the adoption of ranked choice voting (RCV) and expanded ballot access.

The analysis, submitted by Unite NY and the Western New York Ranked Choice Voting Coalition, finds that both reforms are consistent with federal and New York law and concludes that the CRC may proceed with consideration of both. 

“Buffalo has an opportunity to strengthen its elections and better serve voters,” said Anthony Thomas, executive director of Unite NY. “This legal analysis makes clear that ranked choice voting and expanded ballot access are achievable and well within the law. At this point, nothing stands in the way of the Buffalo CRC advancing these reforms to the ballot for the public to decide on.”

The legal analysis follows the Commission's recent vote to advance consideration of election reforms including open primaries, ranked choice voting, and expanded ballot access.

Unite NY and the Western New York Ranked Choice Voting Coalition look forward to supporting the Commission as it continues its review process.

The analysis was done by James A. Gardner, Bridget and Thomas Black SUNY Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus at University of Buffalo School of Law.

CONTACT:
Anthony Thomas, Executive Director, Unite NY
anthony.thomas@uniteny.org

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