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 8 November 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, open 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.
New Yorkers see the state’s political environment on the wrong track
0%
New Yorkers continue to see the state’s political environment as on the wrong track
Key Findings
- A majority of New Yorkers (56%) 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 (11%) compared to other states. 41% think that New York has fallen behind other states. - Term limits & citizen-led ballot initiatives continued to see widespread support, but in Oct, there was a dip in support for open primaries & RCV
While more than ⅔ support term limits for statewide office and the legislature, and citizen-led ballot initiatives, New Yorkers reported more uncertainty this month around open primaries and RCV. Building awareness and education around these reforms continues to be key, as well as perhaps monitoring and combating anti-reform campaigns. - A minority of New Yorkers continue to think that New York politics are fixable (38%), but New Yorkers are increasingly open to engaging with the other side (58%)
Significantly fewer New Yorkers in October also reported that they are considering leaving the state (38%) 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 (44%) still agree that addressing crime and public safety is the top issue to address
But different ages disagree on the top issue facing NY residents. Younger New Yorkers (age 18-44) consistently report affordable housing as the top concern, while mid-aged and older (age 45+) New Yorkers rank crime and public safety as the top concern. In October, developing a plan to address refugee and immigration issues was another top concern across age groups and geographies.
New Yorkers agree that addressing crime and public safety is the top issue
0%
New Yorkers still agree that addressing crime and public safety is the top issue to address.