Should New York City Ditch Its Party Primaries in Favor of Open Races?

New York|Should New York City Ditch Its Party Primaries in Favor of Open Races?

For the last century, New York City has typically elected its mayor the same way. Democrats choose their candidate in their party primary, Republicans choose their candidate in their primary, and the twain meet in November.

That may soon change.

A special panel appointed by Mayor Eric Adams is formulating a plan that would scrap the current system in favor of an open primary where all the candidates — regardless of political party affiliation — would be on the ballot.

Under the proposal, the top two candidates would advance to the general election, regardless of their party affiliation. And all voters would be eligible to participate in the primary election. Right now, only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in their party’s primary contest.

The 13-member panel, a charter revision commission, recently released a 135-page report that details several proposals that could be on the ballot this November. The measures could curb the City Council’s power to reject new housing, among other ideas. Voters would need to approve the proposals, which would be listed as ballot questions, for them to be enacted.

The commission has not yet decided whether to put open primaries on the ballot, and during a four-hour hearing on Monday, public opinions were clearly divided.

Here’s what you need to know about the proposal:

How would an open primary system work?

The panel is considering moving to a system where all registered voters could participate in local primary elections, and the top two candidates who receive the most votes would face off in the general election.