New York City's Century-Old Fusion Voting System Under Scrutiny in 2025 Mayoral Race

New York City's long-standing practice of fusion voting, which allows candidates to appear on multiple party lines, has become a point of discussion amidst the ongoing 2025 mayoral election, featuring Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. The system, which has been a fixture in NYC for over a century, enables minor parties to cross-endorse major party candidates, consolidating support.

The electoral mechanism was highlighted in a recent social media post by Adam Carlson, who stated, "So is Curtis Sliwa you fucking morons. It’s called fusion voting and NYC has had it for over a century." This comment underscores the system's deep roots in the city's political landscape and its continued relevance in contemporary elections.

Fusion voting, also known as cross-endorsement, permits a candidate's total vote count to be the sum of votes received on each nominating party's line. This system is a rarity in the United States today, with New York and Connecticut being the primary states where it remains legal and common. Historically, it was widespread across the U.S. before many states banned it in the early 20th century.

In the context of the 2025 NYC mayoral race, candidates like Curtis Sliwa, who typically runs as a Republican, can benefit from cross-endorsements from other parties, such as the Conservative Party, to broaden their appeal and consolidate votes. This allows voters to support their preferred candidate without being solely tied to a major party's ballot line. The New York City Board of Elections determines the order of independent candidates, and fusion voting often results in candidates appearing multiple times on the ballot.

The system's proponents argue that it empowers minor parties, giving them leverage to influence policy and elect candidates aligned with their platforms. Critics, however, sometimes raise concerns about its complexity or its impact on the two-party system. Despite varying opinions, fusion voting continues to be a defining characteristic of New York's electoral process, shaping voter choices and campaign strategies.