What is Prop 1? New York to vote on constitutional amendment on Election Day – NBC New York

With so much at stake and up for grabs this Election Day, it's easy to understand why New Yorkers might not be familiar with a proposal on the ballot this year.

On Election Day, voters in New York should be sure to check both sides of their ballot as there are six measures to consider. The first of these is Proposition 1, a proposed constitutional amendment called the Equal Rights Amendment.

Here's what Proposition 1 says, as well as what supporters and opponents say about it.

What is New York's Proposal 1?

Here is the wording of Proposition 1, which, according to the State Board of Elections (BOE) website, would constitute an amendment to Section 11 of Article 1 of the state Constitution:

11. A. No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall be subject to discrimination under the law on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed (or), religion or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcome, and reproductive health care and autonomy be exposed to his civil rights by another person or company, corporation or institution or by the State or any agency or subdivision of the State.
    B. Nothing in this section is intended to invalidate or prevent the adoption of any law, regulation, program, or practice designed to prevent or reduce discrimination based on any characteristic listed in this section, nor shall any characteristic listed in this section be construed to do so Impair, restrict, or deny the civil rights of any person based on any other characteristic specified in this section.

So how is this different from what is currently stated?

In fact, the Constitution protects against “unequal treatment based on race, color, creed and religion,” the BOE website says. Under the new proposal, the Constitution would also protect against unequal treatment based on “ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcome, and reproductive health care and autonomy,” according to the BOE.

Who is against/for proposal 1?

Much of the debate surrounding the proposal revolves around protecting abortion rights, even though the word “abortion” is not mentioned anywhere on the ballot. And critics have said there's something else in Prop 1 that has them upset.

Sasha Ahuja, head of a coalition of organizations urging New Yorkers to vote yes, said Proposition 1 adds abortion protections to the state constitution and closes loopholes to ensure no one can be discriminated against.

“71 percent of New Yorkers will be with us when they learn that a measure to protect our rights and freedoms is on the ballot,” Ahuja said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul voiced her support in a Daily News editorial, saying, “It's a vote to ensure that women, not politicians like me, have the power to make decisions about their own bodies.”

Meanwhile, former Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin joined a coalition calling for a “no.”

“That covers all sorts of other things that have nothing to do with abortion,” Zeldin said.

He and other critics said the proposal's language was vague and opened the door to constitutional changes that could affect schools, voting rights and families.

“It may sound wonderful to protect these classes from unequal treatment, but it is exactly the opposite,” said Liza Azzarelli of the Long Island group Save Our Schools.

“They want to pass this because they want to disrupt family dynamics,” said Michael Fitzpatrick, a state representative who represents Suffolk County.

But Ahuja dismissed those claims, saying those opposed to the measure were “trying to divide and distract New Yorkers.”

Both sides agree on one point: Voters should read Proposition 1 and inform themselves about it before they vote.

When is election day?

Election day is Tuesday, November 5th. Polling stations open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. However, anyone standing in line at this time is allowed to cast their vote.

How to register to vote in New York

New Yorkers who want to vote in this year's election and have yet to register must meet certain criteria:

• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Although citizens can pre-register at age 16 or 17, they cannot vote until age 18;
• You must be a resident of this state and the county, city or village in which you are registering for at least 30 days before the election.
• Not being in prison for a felony conviction;
• Not to be judged mentally incompetent by a court;
• Do not claim the right to vote elsewhere

In New York State, you can register in person in the following ways:

In New York State, you can request a registration form in the following ways:

Once the form is completed, mail it to your local county elections office.

In order to take part in the general elections, applications must be received by post by an electoral board at the latest when registering Oct 26. You must also register in person by no later than this Oct 26.