1. New York City voters to decide ranked-choice voting for primaries, other charter amendments
2. Idaho Governor seeks further simplification of state regulations
3. We’re looking for you…to apply to our fall internship program

New York City voters to decide ranked-choice voting for primaries, other charter amendments

New York City voters will decide on five separate ballot questions November 5 that encompass 19 different charter amendment proposals. Voters will decide in favor or against all proposals grouped within a given question. The 2019 New York City Charter Revision Commission gave final approval last week to the five ballot questions, which relate to the following topics: 

• Elections—three proposals

• Civilian Complaint Review Board—five proposals

• Ethics and Government—five proposals

• City Budget—four proposals

• Land Use—two proposals

The elections proposals would implement ranked-choice voting for primary and special elections beginning in 2021 for the offices of mayor, public advocate, comptroller, borough president, and city council. It would not apply to any regular general elections. It would also change the timing of special elections to fill vacancies and for city council redistricting.

The second question would make changes to the city’s Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB)—which investigates complaints and recommends disciplinary actions against police officers. The ballot measure would expand the board, establish a minimum budget, and make changes to the board’s authority and powers. 

The 15-member New York City Charter Commission of 2019 was established in April 2018. The city last created such a commission to do a full review of the city’s charter in 1989 and voters approved all revisions proposed by that commission. Other charter revision commissions have also been created to propose amendments for specific issues. New York City voters approved three charter amendments in November 2018. 

You can read about the other three ballot measures—as well as the timeline of the charter review process and composition of the charter review commission—by clicking the link below.  

Idaho Governor seeks further simplification of state regulations 

President Trump (R) issued a January 2017 executive order that instituted a regulatory cap on federal agencies and required that agencies eliminate two old regulations for each new regulation issued. The federal Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs reported in 2018 that the administration’s actions on rulemaking produced an anticipated savings of $686.6 million annually. Some state governments have also undertaken efforts to change how they issue and administer regulations. For example, I brought you the story in May that the Idaho Legislature did not pass legislation before it adjourned for the year to reauthorize all state regulations.

State agencies were required to resubmit all state regulations for temporary approval. Additionally, Idaho Governor Brad Little (R) announced four changes to the state rulemaking process last week.

• The state will post all notices and schedules for public hearings during the rulemaking process on one website.

• Citizens may now subscribe to a state newsletter informing them when new rules are published.

• Agencies will have to include a cover sheet with new rules explaining the purpose of the rule, who is covered by the rule, and who to contact for more information.

• Agencies will consolidate the chapters of rules they administer to make them easier for the public to understand.

Little said his goal was to simplify up to 60% of the state’s regulations by the end of 2019. He also directed agencies to eliminate duplication and not change fundamental policies—which he said is the responsibility of the state legislature.

You can learn more about what other state governments have done regarding rulemaking and the regulatory process by clicking the link below. And to stay up to date on actions at the federal and state level related to rulemaking, the separation of powers, and due process, subscribe to our free monthly Checks and Balances newsletter.

We’re looking for you…to apply to our fall internship program

We’re looking for undergraduate and graduate students to join our Fall internship program.

It’s a great job that pays (yes—a paid internship—and we can arrange school credit for your work too). It’s not a “make coffee and change the toner” internship, either. 

You’ll learn a lot along the way—taking an active role, working alongside our Editorial, Communications, Tech or Outreach teams.

You’ll publish articles on our website…learn how to spot (and stop) bias..and something else, too: 

You will be making a difference in the social and civil fabric of our nation.  

Our Fall 2019 internship program will run from Monday, August 26 through Friday, December 13. Interns will work approximately 20 hours per week depending on their availability.  

You can apply and find more information at the link below.