Board of Elections or Bored of Elections?

~Finalist for International Statistical Institute and ESRI’s Student Spatial Thinking

Could New York City's Board of Elections do more to improve voter turnout, or are New Yorkers simply bored of elections? In the 2021 election season, only 23% of registered voters  cast ballots  in New York City’s general election, the lowest turnout rates in the city’s history. While numerous variables may have contributed to the historic lows–such as the newly implemented ranked choice voting or skepticism over effective public governance–New York City’s election efforts must remain focused on improving the electoral process through pro-voter reforms.

The New York City Campaign Finance Board has addressed some causes of low voter participation by emphasizing paid time off to vote, extending early and absentee voting opportunities, and allowing online voter registration. These demonstrate the city's interest in encouraging voter participation and are evidence of a marked effort to improve voting conditions for individuals; however, continued low voter turnout make evident the need for continued improvements to the electoral process, with regard to voter engagement and voting infrastructure.

This project seeks to understand, and address, low turnout rates through a spatial dimension. Specifically, this research aims to deploy a spatial methodology which identifies and proposes new polling site locations, by considering New York City's existing election infrastructure. An analysis that considers proximity to and accessibility of polling sites, as well as different poll site worker capacities, can reveal where the Department of Finance should open new polling sites to best serve New Yorkers who have an interest in exercising their right to vote.

View the StoryMaps >here<