NY Fusion Voting Under Attack

With Fusion Voting, more than One Political Party can Support a Common Candidate. Consequently, the Name of a Single Candidate can Appear on the same Ballot Multiple times under multiple Party Lines. Proponents maintain that Fusion Voting increases the Influence of Minor Parties, enabling Voters to Voice their Support for Minor Party Platforms without sacrificing their Ability to Impact the Election of Candidates. Opponents argue that Fusion Voting gives Disproportionate Power to Minor Parties, as Major Party Candidates vie for their Endorsements.

Currently, Eight States allow for Fusion Voting: Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Mississippi, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, and Vermont.

In the 19th Century, Fusion Voting was Common throughout the U.S. Fusion Voting contributed to the Rise of the Populist Party, whose Members threw their Support to Candidates from both Major Parties, thereby bolstering Populist Influence. In the 1892 Election Cycle, Populists supported the Democratic Party. Subsequently, Republican Lawmakers scaled back Fusion Voting Provisions in the States. The practice then fell Out of Favor in the 20th Century.

In New York City, Mayor Mike Bloomberg Won Three Terms with the support of New York City's Independence Party's Ballot Line.

Critics say the Practice is Confusing, but Supporters say it gives Voters more Choices and has helped Third Parties Proliferate in the State.

New York Minor Parties with a Ballot Line:

- Conservative
- Working Families
- Green
- Libertarian
- Independence
- SAM

In New York, A Wilson Pakula is an Authorization given by a Political Party to a Candidate for Public Office that allows the Candidate Not Registered with that Party to Run as its Candidate in a given Election. The name refers to the Wilson Pakula Act of 1947, authored by State Senator Irwin Pakula and then-Assemblyman and Future Governor, Malcolm Wilson, which Forbids Candidates from Receiving the Nomination of a Political Party if they are Not Registered as a Member of that Party, unless they Receive Permission to enter the Primary from Party Officials representing a Majority of the Vote in the Jurisdiction.

The New York State Democratic Committee is set to Vote on a Proposal to support a Ban on Fusion Voting this coming Monday, March 4th.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker