Media Advisory: Buffalo Charter Review Commission to Consider Open Primaries, Ranked Choice Voting, and Expanded Ballot Access April 13
Unite New York
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MEDIA ADVISORY April 10, 2026 WHAT: On Monday, April 13, the commissioner of the Buffalo Charter Revision Commission (CRC) will present a resolution to consider open primaries, ranked choice voting (RCV), and expand ballot access in Buffalo’s municipal elections. The proposed resolution is an opportunity for the Buffalo CRC to evaluate how local systems can better serve voters. Rich Horner, Unite NY's Director of Advocacy, will be available for on-the-record interviews. WHEN: WHERE: WHY IT MATTERS: Buffalo’s current election system can limit voter choice and discourage competition. Closed primaries shut out many eligible voters, especially independents, from participating in elections. Restrictive ballot access rules often result in elections with fewer candidates, putting power in the hands of a select few who choose the candidates for major parties, leaving voters feeling powerless. Ranked choice voting allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, thereby increasing competition, encouraging civility, and requiring candidates to win genuine policy support from voters, rather than simply stoking division. CONTACT: ADDITIONAL CONTEXT: Unite NY recently examined ballot access issues in Buffalo: No Kings? In Buffalo, a Successor Without an Election |
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