In addition to candidates, the Nov. 3 New York City ballot will carry five City Charter amendments. The questions cover a shorter outdoor dining application process, simpler city contracting, faster street safety projects, consolidated housing approvals and a fiscal reserve target.
On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, New York City voters will cast ballots not only for candidates but also on five City Charter amendments. The proposals come from the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE), the 2026 Charter Revision Commission convened by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, after 10 public hearings in July. The commission is promoting them as a "Faster Government" package. The voter registration deadline passed on Oct. 24, and early voting runs through Sunday, Nov. 1.
Question 1 would cut the outdoor dining application process from the current 8 months to 2 months, a 75% reduction, and save each business up to $1,800 in application costs. It would also speed up approval of wheelchair ramps and lifts by two months. Question 2 would ease the administrative burden on small businesses and nonprofits that contract with the city, shortening the contracting process by up to 30 days.
Question 3 would shorten the timeline for street safety projects such as bike lanes by at least 33%, and would allow the city to sell small, unused city-owned lots and unused air rights above landmark buildings to raise more than $200 million. Question 4 would simplify housing construction permitting by consolidating 40 building-related approvals, now spread across 18 agencies and departments, into a single place.
Question 5 would write into the Charter a goal of saving 12% of the city's total tax revenue as an emergency reserve. The aim is to strengthen the city's long-term fiscal stability. Voters should check the back of the ballot as well, and mark yes or no separately for each question.
Summaries of the five questions and informational materials in 15 languages, including Korean, are available at nyc.gov/fast. For Election Day polling hours and other details, check the NYC Board of Elections (vote.nyc).