Establishes an electoral voting system for electing the governor, lieutenant-governor, comptroller and attorney general.
Summary
Bill A05202 proposes an amendment to the New York State Constitution to establish an electoral college system for the election of the governor, lieutenant-governor, comptroller, and attorney general. Under this proposed system, each county would receive one electoral vote, with additional votes allocated based on population, specifically one additional vote for every fifty thousand legal residents. Elections would be held to determine the winners, and if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, a series of up to ten elections would take place until a majority is achieved or the highest vote-getter is declared the winner.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the current electoral process for state executives in New York. It would replace the popular vote system with an electoral college system, potentially changing how candidates campaign and how votes are counted. This amendment would require changes to existing election laws and could affect voter engagement and representation, particularly in less populous counties.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A05202 appears to be mixed, with some support for reforming the electoral process to better represent county interests, while others express concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of voters in more populous areas. The lack of recent voting history suggests that the bill is still in the early stages of discussion and may face scrutiny as it progresses.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the fairness of an electoral college system, particularly how it may favor rural counties over urban areas, which could lead to unequal representation. Critics argue that this system could undermine the principle of one-person, one-vote, while supporters believe it could enhance the influence of smaller counties in statewide elections.
Increases the length of the term of office for members of the legislature from two to four years with no member serving more than sixteen years; imposes term limits on the governor, lieutenant-governor, comptroller, and attorney-general.
Requires state employees and the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, and members of the legislature attend annual implicit bias training provided by the legislative ethics commission.
Establishes ranked-choice voting procedure for elections for Governor, State Senate, State General Assembly, United States Senate and House of Representatives, and presidential primaries and general elections for electors for United States President and Vice-President.
Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.
Relates to the line of succession for the governor and lieutenant-governor in cases where they are impeached or unable to perform the duties of the office.