Press Release: Buffalo Charter Revision Commission Pushes Back on Deputy Mayor’s Effort to Block Election Reforms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 10, 2026

BUFFALO, N.Y. —  Members of the Buffalo Charter Revision Commission pushed back against an effort by Deputy Mayor Maria Whyte to block election reforms that would give residents more choice, accountability, and meaningful representation in local government.

At a commission meeting on June 8, Whyte attempted to prevent resolutions advancing open primaries, expanded ballot access, and ranked-choice voting from moving forward. Commission members resisted the effort, keeping the proposals under consideration and voted to advance all three proposals for charter language drafting.

“This should not be a decision made by a small number of City Hall insiders,” said Anthony Thomas, executive director of Unite NY. “Buffalo residents have asked for the opportunity to consider these reforms. The mayor's office should let the Charter Revision Commission advance these proposals and give Buffalo voters the chance to decide.”

The Buffalo Charter Revision Commission is charged with reviewing the charter of the City of Buffalo. This summer, the commission must determine which proposals will advance to voters for consideration on the November ballot.

Contact:

Ellie Krasne

Communications Advisor, Unite NY

ekrasne@uniteny.org