Voter Empowerment Index.
Our research delivers data and insights to support informed democracy. Since 2022, the Voter Empowerment Index has provided independent polling to track voter sentiment and engagement. Since then, the VEI has become the go-to resource for understanding where New York's electorate stands for voters and decision makers alike.
Volume 13 February 2026
Summary
New York citizens continue to express frustration with state government, but strong majorities remain committed to common-sense reforms that would give them more voice and more choices in elections, according to Unite NY’s latest VEI.
The February 2026 VEI shows support for Unite NY’s reform priorities, including term limits, open primaries, ranked choice voting, citizen ballot initiatives, and better ballot access.
New Yorkers Think Its Political System Is "Not Healthy"
60% of respondents think New York’s political system is "not healthy" (36% say it is healthy).
Key Findings
60% of respondents think New York’s political system is "not healthy" (36% say it is healthy).
78% of respondents think that New York’s political system problems are fixable (22% say they are not).
Reform has strong, bipartisan support.
82% support term limits on statewide elected officials (6% oppose), 81% support term limits for members of the legislature (7% oppose);
59% support non partisan or open primaries (22% oppose)
44% support ranked choice voting; (31% oppose)
74% support giving citizens the right to place issues directly on the ballot through a petition process (10% oppose)
New Yorkers believe the problems in its political system are fixable.
78% of respondents think that New York’s political system problems are fixable (22% say they are not).