Expert Legal Analysis Addresses Questions About Implementing Election Ranked Choice Voting in Buffalo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 4, 2026

Buffalo, NY — As the Buffalo Charter Revision Commission continues reviewing proposed election reforms, some commissioners raised questions about New York Voting Rights Act preclearance requirements and whether Erie County could feasibly administer ranked-choice voting elections. 

A new legal analysis by election law attorneys at Holtzman Vogel concludes that those concerns should not prevent the Commission from advancing proposals related to ranked-choice voting, open primaries, and expanded ballot access.

The analysis finds that:

Preclearance is not required before the Commission advances a ballot proposal;
The Erie County Board of Elections would administer any future ranked-choice voting election; and
Erie County has the infrastructure necessary to implement ranked-choice voting, similar to New York City's implementation.
The legal analysis was prepared in response to questions raised during the Commission's review process regarding implementation, election administration, and compliance with New York election law.

The Commission's Electoral Reform Working Group recently voted to advance recommendations that would reduce petition signature requirements for candidates seeking office, expand primary election participation for unaffiliated voters, and implement a ranked-choice voting system for Buffalo elections.

"This analysis demonstrates that these reforms are practical, workable, and worthy of public consideration," said Anthony Thomas. "The Charter Revision Commission should put them on the ballot and allow Buffalo voters to have their say." 

Unite NY and the Western New York Ranked Choice Voting Coalition look forward to supporting the Commission as it continues its review of reforms designed to expand voter participation and strengthen representation in Buffalo.

Contact:

Ellie Krasne

Communications Advisor, Unite NY

ekrasne@uniteny.org