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 12 August 2025
Summary
- Reform is sorely needed: New Yorkers across the state, and of all partisan identities, demonstrate acute discontent with the current political landscape in the state. A majority of voters feel the state is headed in the wrong direction, minorities of voters view local and state governments favorably, and voters overwhelmingly feel that their top issues are not being taken seriously.
- There is strong, bipartisan support for reform: Through this climate of intense dissatisfaction, there is a strong appetite and will for change. Although few voters deem New York’s political system to be “extremely healthy,” among those who doubt its health, the majority think that the system is at least somewhat fixable. Moreover, a bipartisan majority of voters support a variety of electoral reforms, and are motivated to vote for a candidate that prioritizes them.
New York voters are largely negative toward the state’s current political system
0%
New Yorkers consider leaving the state for political reasons.
Key Findings
- New York voters are largely negative toward the state’s current political system and top political players, prompting a majority (56%) to consider leaving the state for political reasons.
- Most voters feel they should be playing a major role in determining state decision making, and report high levels of vote frequency and civic engagement.
- There is a strong and sustained appetite for election reform, with particularly overwhelming support for term limits on state officials (84% support each).
- In advance of the 2026 election for New York Governor, Incumbent Kathy Hochul maintains a slight lead (+6) in a race against Elise Stefanik.
There is a strong and sustained appetite for election reform
0%
of New Yorkers support election reform and term limits on state officials.