Press Release: Data Shows Buffalo Voters Want More Say in Local Elections
Unite NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Data Shows Buffalo Voters Want More Say in Local Elections
BUFFALO, N.Y. — New polling released by Unite NY shows that Buffalo voters want change in the city’s election system, with strong support for open primaries, expanded ballot access, and reforms that would give voters more say in local government.
Unite NY, a statewide, nonpartisan election reform organization, commissioned a poll of Buffalo voters to better understand voter sentiment toward open primaries, ranked choice voting, and expanded ballot access.
The data are clear: Buffalo voters want reforms that make local elections more representative, more competitive, and more responsive to voters.
Key findings include:
- Two-thirds of Buffalo voters support open primaries, with majorities saying open primaries would give voters more say (60%) and make elections more fair (59%).
- 67% support reducing the signature requirement of independent candidates to match that of major party candidates, with around two-thirds of voters believing that this move would give voters like them more say (67%) and make elections more fair (68%).
- Around half of voters believe ranked choice voting would give voters more say (51%) and make elections more fair (47%).
“When voters overwhelmingly support open primaries and expanded ballot access, they are telling us the current system does not give enough people a meaningful voice.” said Unite NY Executive Director Anthony Thomas. “The WNY RCV Coalition represents tens of thousands of Buffalo voters who want meaningful electoral reform. It is time for the city’s Charter Revision Commission and Common Council to draft language that Buffalo voters can assess and vote on in November.”
Unite NY chairs the Western New York RCV Coalition, a coalition of organizations working to advance open primaries, ranked choice voting, and expanded ballot access in Buffalo.
Coalition partners include: PPG Buffalo, 1199 funds, Clean Air Coalition WNY, Voice Buffalo, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Common Cause, LWV Buffalo, Buffalo Health Equity, Buffalo Jewish Federation, Stronger Together Buffalo
Media Contact:
Ellie Krasne
Communications Advisor, Unite NY
ekrasne@uniteny.org
