NEW YORK, NY – Today, on the eve of New York City’s first citywide election with ranked-choice voting, U.S. Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Grace Meng (NY-06), Thomas Suozzi (NY-03), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) released the following joint statement:

“Early voting begins this weekend. For the first time in New York City’s history, voters will be asked to rank up to five candidates in every municipal election, including the contest for Mayor. 

Under the ranked-choice voting system, voters can exercise additional influence on the final outcome by ranking multiple candidates, ensuring that their vote is still impactful even if their first-choice candidate is not ultimately successful. 

There is reason to believe that some voters may choose to rank only one candidate, in part based on confusion connected to the new voting system. We urge the Board of Elections and other municipal authorities to intensify its ranked-choice voting public education campaign, particularly in traditionally underserved communities. 

While voters are free to rank only one candidate, they risk losing the chance to fully participate in the election and have their second or third choice counted in subsequent rounds if higher-ranked candidates are eliminated. We urge the people of New York City to fully participate in the election process, rank multiple candidates and make sure that your voice is heard.”

Voters should visit NYC.GOV/DEMOCRACY or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC to learn more about ranked-choice voting or find an early voting location.