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Pace | Culture > News

Everything You Need to Know about Proposal 1 in NY

Cassidy Burry Student Contributor, Pace University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pace chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Proposal 1 can be found on the back of all New York ballots for this upcoming election. With the confusing language and construction of the proposal, it can be hard to understand and interpret. Proposal 1 is a way for New Yorkers to directly decide and vote on amending the state constitution and to protect the fundamental rights everyone deserves. With Nov. 5 right around the corner, understanding every part of the ballot is essential. 

What this proposal is and means

Proposal 1 is in favor of adding anti-discrimination amendments to New York’s state constitution. Once passed, it would label all acts of discrimination against ethnicity, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and pregnancy, as unconstitutional, and New Yorkers would be protected by the law from discrimination if it fits in any of these categories. This would include healthcare and autonomy, meaning the permanent allowance of abortions, while keeping them safe and accessible. 

However, you won’t find the word “abortion” on the ballot at all this year. A New York judge stated last week that he will not force any election officials to disclose that the proposal would protect abortion rights. This means that the need for voters to read between the lines and do outside research is crucial. Many campaign officials say the intent should be very clear and no further discussion is necessary. However, Democrats fought to include the word “abortion” on the ballot so that voters would have a clear understanding of what is being said and how they should vote, but they didn’t succeed. Even Republicans agree that a vague proposal is dangerous and can lead to people not knowing how to vote. It  can also lead people to vote in a way that doesn’t reflect their beliefs. 

After Roe v. Wade was struck down by the Supreme Court in June of 2022, states were given the ability to decide on the restrictions of abortions and reproductive care themselves. The overturning allowed for 21 states to add restrictions or bans to abortion access and care. Even in a state like New York, where these rights seem to be protected, this dangerous ambiguity can make it so they can be taken away at any given moment. Since we cannot predict our future politicians, or what beliefs they hold, securing and protecting these rights now is necessary to keep them in the long-run.  

What Proposal 1 Will Do

Proposal 1 will close loopholes so that in the future, these fundamental rights cannot be taken away. It will permanently protect them for the foreseeable future, and not allow politicians to impose their own beliefs and threaten them in case political stances shift in New York. It will reenact the same protections that Roe v. Wade once offered: protecting our rights at the constitutional level. 

The proposal will allow for more equity within New York, as these rights primarily affect marginalized communities. Currently, New York’s state constitution only protects against racial and religious acts of discrimination – nothing else. The amendment would also allow for past acts of discrimination to be undone and for justice to finally be possible for the victims of said acts. 

How to vote

A vote “YES” would be in favor of adding these fundamental rights to the New York state constitution. 

A vote “NO” would keep these rights out of the constitution,making them not guaranteed, and allowing for future politicians to have control over them. 

Cassidy Burry

Pace '27

Cassidy Burry is the treasurer of Her Campus and currently in her senior year at Pace University, where she is completing a double major in communications & media studies and peace & justice studies, along with a minor in digital storytelling and journalism. She has been an active member of Her Campus Pace for four years. Her passion for pursuing journalism stems from a lifelong fascination with magazines, with Vogue serving as a major source of inspiration.

Her past advocacy work included writing articles for SisterLove, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that is the first organization in the southeastern United States dedicated to women’s HIV, sexual, and reproductive justice. Cassidy feels privileged to have contributed to educating and advocating for reproductive and healthcare rights. Additionally, she completed an internship with Freedom Agenda, a nonprofit based within the Urban Justice Center. The organization spearheaded the campaign to close Rikers Island and continues to lead advocacy efforts for the rights of incarcerated individuals.

Outside of her academic and advocacy endeavors, Cassidy manages a local bakery in the heart of the Theatre District. She has an expansive appreciation for music across all genres and was named after the Grateful Dead song “Cassidy,” a namesake that has fostered meaningful connections throughout her life. She spends much of her free time listening and discovering new music. Having played competitive soccer for most of her childhood, she eagerly awaits the Women’s World Cup every four years. She is always hoping for greater recognition and equality for women in sports, and every year seems to bring more promise.