A measure was introduced this week by Queens Democratic State Sen. Tony Avella would give voters the option of “none of the above” in uncontested state elections.
The bill would make New York the second state to formally implement what amounts to a protest vote by allowing voters to express discontent with a lack of options.
“The non-binding ballot line was intended to provide voters who did not support the candidates at hand with an alternative,” according to the bill’s memo. “Rather than feel forced to cast their vote for a candidate they do not support, or choose not to vote at all, the “none of the above” ballot line has given voters the option to cast a protest vote, while encouraging continued participation in the electoral process.”
The bill would apply to Senate, Assembly and statewide races that are deemed uncontested.
The current bill’s language does not offer any contingencies should “none of the above” prevail in an election.
Nevada is the only state that offers “none of these candidates” as an option for voters. The option is actually allowed in competitive elections and nearly became a factor in the hotly contested race between Sen. Harry Reid and his Republican challenger, Sharon Angle, in 2010.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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