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 7 October 2023
Summary
- Respondents 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
Issues presented included term limits for governor and the state legislature, citizen ballot initiatives, ranked-choice voting, nonpartisan primaries, and a 45,000 signature minimum to get a third party candidate on the ballot. - 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.
Key reforms saw increased widespread support
0%
New Yorkers support term limits for the governor.
Key Findings
- A majority of New Yorkers (57%) continue to see the state’s political environment as on the wrong track
Only a small minority of New Yorkers reported that they believe New York is ahead of the curve (10%) compared to other states. 47% think that New York has fallen behind other states. - Key reforms saw increased widespread support, especially term limits for governor (78%) and state legislature (75%)
Strong support for reforms show a path forward for getting politics on the right track. Building awareness and education continues to be key – especially for Nonpartisan Primaries and Ranked-Choice Voting. - Fewer think that politics in New York are fixable (36%) compared to March (49%)
Yet fewer New Yorkers in August reported that they are considering leaving the state (39%) compared to March (51%), leaving opportunities to persuade New Yorkers to get behind reforms that can fix what’s broken in politics. - Many New Yorkers (42%) still agree that addressing crime and public safety is the top issue to address
Affordable housing (32%), taxes & state spending (30%), & refugee and immigration issues (25%) were other issues of importance. Policy makers should address these issues, and build a coalition among the 53% of residents eager to fix what’s broken through reforms & cross-partisan engagement.
New Yorkers think New York has fallen behind other states.
0%
New Yorkers think that New York has fallen behind other states.