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 10 November 2024
Summary
- Respondents in New York were asked about their opinions on the current political environment in New York
This included questions about considering leaving the state, how politics in New York compares to other states, and whether New York politics are on the right track. - New Yorkers’ top issues of concern were identified
Respondents were asked to pick the two most important issues from a list of current issues facing New York residents. - Support levels for election-related issues in New York were evaluated, including support for candidates in favor of reforms
Issues presented included term limits for governor and the state legislature, citizen ballot initiatives, ranked choice voting, open primaries, and third party ballot access. Candidate testing occurred on: term limits, citizen ballot initiatives, and open primaries. - New Yorkers were asked about their willingness to engage across the aisle and fix what’s broken in politics
The poll gauged which civic engagement activities respondents plan to participate in, how willing they would be to engage with an organization seeking to reduce division, and how fixable politics are in New York.
Term limits and citizen ballot initiatives continue to be the most supported reforms
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Support term limits and citizen ballot initiatives continues to be the most supported reforms.
Key Findings
- The reforms we tested increase candidate support
Reforms like governor & state legislature term limits, citizen ballot initiatives, and open primaries increased support for candidates who advocate for them by an average of 18 percentage points. - Term limits and citizen ballot initiatives continue to be the most supported reforms with over 70% support
Both this year and last year, we’ve consistently observed term limits (both for governor and statewide office) and citizen ballot initiatives receive overwhelming support. - Crime and public safety remain the top issue for voters
A plurality of respondents (42%) rated crime and public safety as their top issue followed by reduce taxes and state spending (38%) and provide more affordable housing (30%). - Fewer New York residents hold a favorable view of the Governor after the election
37% of respondents hold a favorable view of the Governor compared to 41% in August. Unfavorability rates for the governor also increased from August.
Fewer New York residents hold a favorable view of the Governor after the election
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of respondents hold a favorable view of the Governor compared to 41% in August.