The 2024 elections in America are going to have a lasting impact on people all over the nation. Even though this election is making big news because we will be voting for the President of the United States, all sorts of other important elections need to be voted on down the ballot.

From the House of Representatives and US Senate to local judges and town councils, 2024 is one of those elections you just can't afford to miss, especially for New Yorkers.

READ MORE: New York Has Several Big Elections This Year That Need Your Vote

In addition to all of the offices that need to be filled in this year's election, Empire State residents can vote on several changes in state and local law, including the potential to amend the New York State Constitution.

When you get to the voting polls this year, flip your ballot over and review the law questions on the back. Here are a few of the things to look out for:

  • Statewide Proposal Number One
    • Amendment to the New York Constitution to Protect Against Unequal Treatment
      • This proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy.
        • A “YES” vote puts these protections in the New York State Constitution.
        • A “NO” vote leaves the protections out of the State Constitution.
  • Erie County Proposal Number One
    • Alters Certain Voting Requirements in the Erie County Charter
      • Requires that the county legislature impose the state authorized 1% and 0.75% sales and compensating use tax by simple majority vote instead of presently required affirmative vote of two-thirds.
        • A “YES” vote adds this simple majority vote requirement to the Erie County Charter.
        • A “NO” vote leaves this simple majority vote requirement out of the Erie County Charter.
  • Town of Grand Island Proposal Number One
    • A Local Law to Modify and Establish Term Limits in the Town of Grand Island
      • The local law will limit the term of office for Supervisor and Councilmember to 12 years, and Town Superintendent of Highways and Town Clerk to 16 years, excluding terms completed before January 1, 2025.
        • A “YES” vote would modify current term limits for Supervisor and Councilmember and establish term limits for Town Superintendent of Highways and Town Clerk in the Town.
        • A “NO” vote would not alter or impose such term restrictions on these offices in the Town.
  • Town of Marilla Proposal Number One
    • Change in Term of Office of Town Supervisor from 2 years to 4 years
      • Changes the term of office of the Supervisor of the Town of Marilla from 2 years to 4 years commencing with the first bi-annual election after the effective date of approval.
        • A “YES” vote will change the term of office of Supervisor from 2 years to 4 years starting with the next election.
        • A “NO” vote will keep the term of office of Supervisor at 2 years.
  • Town of West Seneca Proposal Number One
    • A Local Law to Establish Term Limits in the Town of West Seneca
      • The local law will limit the terms for the offices of Town Supervisor and Town Council Members to two consecutive four-year terms for terms after November, 2021.
        • A “YES” vote will establish term limits for these offices of Town Supervisor and Town Council in the Town.
        • A “NO” vote will mean that there will be no term limits for these offices in the Town.

According to Ballotpedia, there have been 30 attempts to amend the New York Constitution since 1985, with 70% passed by New Yorkers.

This is just a sample of the laws that could change in 2025 based on how you vote this election day. The New York State Board of Elections has a full list of ballot proposals.

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