NEW YORK (PIX11) – In addition to highly anticipated federal and state contests, New York voters will be asked to consider a statewide ballot measure on Election Day.

At the polls, New York voters will decide whether to update the state Constitution to address discrimination based on ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or gender.

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The amendment protects reproductive health care and autonomy, including the right to an abortion, according to the New York Civil Liberties Union. The amendment has already passed both houses of the New York State Legislature. The amendment reads:

The state constitution offers no protections based on gender, but prohibits discrimination based on race and religion, according to the New York State Bar Association.

Similar clauses to protect reproductive rights have been passed in other states, such as Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. A similar amendment protecting against discrimination based on sex is also being debated at federal level.

“The timing of this amendment could not be more critical,” New York State Bar Association officials said, referring to reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

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A Guide to Ballot Measures in New York and Long Island

New York City

Proposition 2: Allow the Sanitation Department greater enforcement power to collect trash, including expanded enforcement against small businesses and street vendors. It would allow DSNY to regulate trash bag placement and containerization. That would allow the department to bypass public input on sanitation laws, according to the New York City Council.

Proposition 3: This proposal deals with the city’s financial analysis and budget. It would update the City Charter to require a fiscal review of any laws by the council and mayor. That proposal would give the mayor’s office more time to file a preliminary deadline after the election and extend the deadline for an executive budget for the mayor and district presidents. The New York City Council warns that the measure will reduce budget transparency and create a redundant review process.

Proposition 4: Request an additional 30-day public notice period for any new laws regarding the public safety operations of the FDNY, NYPD, and Department of Corrections. During that time, the mayor and other agencies may hold public hearings on the proposal. The City Council warns that the proposal would unduly impede and delay public safety laws and give the mayor too much power.

Proposition 5: This would require more detail in the city’s annual endowment assessments. Facilities needs would then inform capital planning through the city’s Ten-Year Capital Strategy, which would also have an extended timeline. The City Council says this bill will not bring significant changes to the city’s infrastructure.

Proposition 6: It would establish a new position in the city Constitution, Chief Business Diversity Officer, and give the mayor more authority in issuing film permits. Currently, only the Department of Small Business can issue these permits. It would also merge two boards, the Archives Review Board and the Archives, Reference and Research Board, which currently review the city’s archives. The City Council warns that this proposal did not have enough public input.

To see a sample ballot for New York City, click here.

County Suffolk

Proposition 2: It would amend the Suffolk County Charter to expand the Drinking Water Protection Program and upgrade the county’s wastewater infrastructure. The program will be funded using an eight percent sales tax increase. To read more about Prop 2, click here.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has been covering New York City since 2023, after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work Here and follow her on Twitter Here.

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