Media Advisory: Buffalo Considers Ranked Choice Voting, Expanded Ballot Access in Charter Review Commission
Unite New York
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
March 24, 2026
WHO:
Anthony Thomas, Executive Director, Unite NY
WHAT:
Anthony Thomas, Executive Director of Unite NY, will present before the Buffalo Charter Revision Commission regarding a proposal to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) and expand ballot access in Buffalo’s municipal elections.
The proposal aims to strengthen Buffalo’s election system by increasing voter choice, improving competition, and lowering barriers for candidates seeking access to the ballot.
Thomas will outline how reforms such as RCV and expanded ballot access can strengthen local democracy and better reflect the will of voters.
Anthony Thomas will be available for on-the-record interviews.
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 25
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Interviews can be arranged upon request
WHERE:
Buffalo City Hall
OSP Room 912
65 Niagara Square
Buffalo, NY 14202
WHY IT MATTERS:
Buffalo’s current election system, like many across New York, can limit voter choice and discourage competition. 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.
Buffalo’s Charter Revision Commission represents an opportunity to evaluate how local systems can better serve voters.
CONTACT:
Anthony Thomas, Executive Director, Unite NY
anthony.thomas@uniteny.org
