To: Byron Brown, Chairperson, NYS Democratic Committee and Edward F. Cox, Chairperson, NYS Republican Party
Allow "No Party" Voters to Vote in Party Primaries in NYS
We the undersigned, properly registered voters in New York State, petition the New York State Democratic Party and the New York State Republican Party to Adopt Rules to Permit Voters Registered as "No Party" in New York State to Vote in Party Primaries chosen by the voter within a reasonable period of time before the primary election (e.g. not less than two weeks nor greater than one month before the primary) as permitted in Section 5.210(5)(F) of the New York State Election Law.
Why is this important?
Many voters choose to remain unaffiliated with a political party for various reasons. They consider themselves independent or may object to political parties in general or for specific reasons. These voters represent a substantial number of voters in the the state and should have a voice, in the party of their choice, in selecting candidates at party primaries. This would help assure that the state's political parties put forward strong candidates who are electable with the population of unaffiliated voters. It would also help strengthen the party system by attracting "no party" voters to vote in their primaries.