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 11 February 2025
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 which candidates they support
The poll gauged support for gubernatorial candidates, as well as Democratic primary candidates for governor and the NYC mayoral election.
New Yorkers are split on how fixable politics is in their state
0%
believe that politics is broken, while an additional 37% believe it to be fixable.
Key Findings
- New Yorkers prioritize economy and inflation as their top issue
Improving the economy and reducing inflation is key for New Yorkers of various ages, political parties and geographies. Addressing crime and public safety, and reducing taxes remain salient issues. - Term limits and citizen ballot initiatives continue to be popular; third party ballot access gaining traction
Echoing the trends we witnessed over 2023 and 2024, term limits (both for governor and statewide office) and citizen ballot initiatives receive overwhelming support. Third party ballot access has increased 8% since our November polling. - Kathy Hochul is most favorable candidate
Based on our hypothetical election scenario, the majority (52%) of Democrats would support Hochul in a gubernatorial primary, and the plurality of New Yorkers would vote for her in the general election. - New Yorkers are split on how fixable politics is in their state
38% believe that politics is broken, while an additional 37% believe it to be fixable.