This November, New Yorkers will be able to vote on five ballot propositions.
The Commission on Government Efficiency and the 2026 New York City Charter Revision Commission launched the “Vote on Faster Government” education campaign to inform New Yorkers about the five upcoming ballot proposals.
The campaign includes a public education video featuring Mayor Zohran Mamdani and an online education hub.
“More than 1,000 New Yorkers participated in public hearings this summer, sharing ideas not just about what government does but about how it does it,” said Ann Cheng, executive director of the Commission on Government Efficiency. “In the weeks ahead, COGE will work tirelessly to ensure New Yorkers know what these five proposals would do long before they enter the voting booth.”
The five ballot proposals, as described by NYC.gov are as follows:
Prop 1: Speed Up Timeline for Using Public Space, Including Outdoor Dining, Ramps and Benches
- Cuts outdoor dining application process by 75 percent, from eight months to two months
- Saves small businesses up to $1,800 in application costs
- Speeds up the approval process for accessible entrance ramps and lifts by two months
Prop 2 and related non-Charter reforms: Reform the Contracting Process to Improve Procurements, including for Small Business and Nonprofits
- Reduces administrative burdens on small businesses and nonprofits that contract with the city
- Saves city contractors such as small businesses and nonprofits up to 30 days in the contracting process
Prop 3: Fast-Track Street Safety Infrastructure Including Bike Lanes, Acquisition of Office Space and Activation of City Land
- Speeds up street safety projects, including bike lanes, by at least 33 percent
- Unlocks more than $200 million in potential city revenue through the sale of small surplus lots and unused air rights over city-owned landmarks
Prop 4: Simplify Building Permitting
- Brings 40 approvals from 18 separate offices and agencies into one place
Prop 5 and related internal reforms: Set Contributions Goals for Rainy Day Fund to Ensure Sufficient Budgetary Reserves
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Establishes a savings target of 12 percent of total tax revenue to help strengthen the city’s long-term financial position
The last day to apply online or by mail to vote in the 2026 November elections is Oct. 24, 2026.
Other important dates can be found at the Board of Elections Important Dates page.
