Voters across New York State approved two proposed Constitutional amendments. The approved amendments, described below, will take effect on January 1, 2022:
- This amendment gives New Yorkers a Constitutional right to clean air, water, and a “healthful” environment
- This amendment doubles the monetary limit from $25,000 to $50,000 for claims filed at the City’s civil courts, enabling consideration of smaller claims and reducing the Supreme Court caseload
Voters rejected the following three ballot measures:
- This proposed amendment would have changed the State’s redistricting process by redrawing legislative maps, capping the number of State senators at 63, and counting incarcerated people at their last place of residence rather than where they are detained
- This proposed amendment would have eliminated the rule requiring voters to register at least 10 days prior to an election, allowing State lawmakers to adopt same-day voter registration
- This proposed amendment would have made it easier to cast absentee ballots by removing the requirement that those who request absentee ballots explain why they need them
In addition, voters in Harlem and the Bronx filled two vacancies. Cordell Cleare (D), a district leader, won a Senate seat (District 30) in Harlem vacated by Brian Benjamin (D) after he was appointed Lieutenant Governor. Yudelka Tapia (D), also a district leader, won an Assembly seat (District 86) in the Bronx vacated by Victor Pichardo (D).