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Question 1: Speed Up Process for Granting a Revocable Consent to Use Public Space

New York city, New York

My vote power

Above average

Election date

November 3, 2026

Question 1: Speed Up Process for Granting a Revocable Consent to Use Public Space is a ballot measure in New York city, New York on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Lets the city approve the use of sidewalks and streets for things like ramps, planters, and cafes faster by making public hearings optional and ending the City Council's power to block sidewalk cafes. It changes a process, not a tax, so it costs taxpayers nothing new.

How do we calculate my vote power?

What determines the vote power rating for ballot measures: Representation: how much weight one vote carries here compared with a statewide vote — the smaller the district, the more each vote counts. You have more power in ballot measures because you vote directly on the policy.

Representation: Average · 53 out of 100

This district covers a large share of its state, so each vote carries about average weight — like a vote in a statewide race. About 8,483,844 people live here.

Show the representation math

score = 50 + 50 × ln(state population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(50,000) = 50 + 50 × ln(19,852,366 ÷ 8,483,844) ÷ ln(50,000) = 53.93, measured against a statewide vote in NY (grades: 66+ high, 55+ above average, 33+ average, otherwise low; a statewide race is the 50 baseline)

Average representation + a direct vote on the policy → My vote power: Above average.

What does this measure do?

Lets the city approve the use of sidewalks and streets for things like ramps, planters, and cafes faster by making public hearings optional and ending the City Council's power to block sidewalk cafes. It changes a process, not a tax, so it costs taxpayers nothing new.

Read the official ballot measure (PDF)

A YES vote means

The city could grant permission to use public space with optional hearings and no City Council veto over sidewalk cafes, while still notifying the community.

A NO vote means

The current process stays, with a required public hearing and City Council review of sidewalk cafes.

Sources: nyc.gov23 · nycvotes.org

Last updated September 24, 2026.