Election and Representative Democracy
Reform in New York State
I filed forms to change my party affiliation from Democrat to independent on March 3, 2026. However, because of New York State's overly restrictive election laws, I am required to remain a Democrat until June 30, 2026. This has a silver lining, because write-in votes for me in the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary will be counted.
If I win the Democratic primary, I will accept the Democratic ballot line, but like Bernie Sanders, I will run and campaign as an independent. My campaign is rooted in the belief that political discourse can be constructive. I aim to help bridge divides and foster collaboration.
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If you are like me and are frustrated with New York's broken political system of closed primaries and difficult ballot access, then please consider voting for me, by writing-in, TONY MACULA, in the June 23, 2026 primary election regardless of your party affiliation, either Conservative, Democrat, Republican, or Working Families.
I encourage you to visit the the nonpartisan election reform organization UniteNY.org
Here are thier "Five Pillars for Reforming Representative Democracy in New York":
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More Candidates - It's very hard to get on the ballot in New York. Let's make it easier for candidates so voters have more choices.
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Open Primaries - Opening our closed primary system would allow every voter the ability to participate in candidate selection.
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Term Limits - Fresh faces bring fresh ideas. Let’s stop enabling career politicians and start encouraging more citizen participation.
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Ranked Choice - Ranked Choice Voting ensures the most popular candidate wins and that candidates seek the broadest support.
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Citizen Ballot Initiative - All citizens should have the right to petition to have the issues they care about most on the ballot.