Albany, NY — A recent survey conducted by Unite NY in conjunction with Citizen Data reveals a worrying trend of voter dissatisfaction in New York State. According to the Voter Empowerment Index (VEI), 51% of likely voters are considering leaving the state, citing the state’s broken political system and crime as major concerns.
The survey polled 822 likely voters in March with a margin of error of 3.4 percent. It found that 53% of respondents believe that addressing crime and public safety should be the state’s top priority. For New Yorkers aged 18-34, however, the primary concern is affordable housing.
- 53% of New Yorkers think politics in the State are headed in the wrong direction (up 3% from March)
- 80% want term limits for Governor and Legislature
- 40% have an unfavorable view of Governor Hochul
- Nearly 3/4 of New Yorkers want citizen initiatives
- 40% considering moving – including more than
- 70% of Bronx residents want to leave.
When it comes to political reform, only 9% of voters think that New York is ahead of other states in implementing election reforms. In contrast, 37% believe the state has fallen behind in this regard.
Support for structural reforms is high, with 80% of respondents favoring term limits for the Governor and the Legislature. Nearly three-quarters also want citizen initiatives, and 40% have an unfavorable view of Governor Hochul.
The data suggests a need for urgent reforms to address growing voter dissatisfaction and to prevent a potential exodus of residents from the state.
