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New York Times

Inside Our Voters' Guide to New York's Democratic Primary

Here are two things I know about American politics: Our choices in elections matter more than ever, and our trust and interest in the process is shakier than ever. Voting can have enormous consequences, yet many people don't believe their vote makes a difference and, perhaps because of that, don't look closely at which candidates best match their priorities, concerns or values. Coming out of the 2024 election, I've been thinking a lot about ways that Times Opinion can help readers assess politicians, understand issues and make informed decisions. Today we are publishing The Choice, a new form of civic journalism from Times Opinion, which we intend as a public service for voters during election seasons. Our inaugural project focuses on the Democratic primary race for mayor of New York, one of the most important U.S. elections this year. The Choice brings together 15 New Yorkers who are deeply involved in the life of the city and draws on their expertise, experience and range of viewpoints to assess the nine main Democratic candidates for mayor. Some members of our group are experts on key issues in the race or on communities and neighborhoods, politics and leadership and the corporate world — all things that matter greatly to the future of New York. Our editors spoke to scores of New Yorkers this winter and spring about taking part in the project and chose these 15 in hopes that their commitment to the city and their insights will prove helpful to voters. Over the past two months, our panel conducted their own research on the candidates and six key issues that will be important for the next mayor. Affordability in particular is a cornerstone of the project, given the cost of living in New York today. Times Opinion asked the members of our panel to rate the candidates on the six issues as well as choose the candidate that they thought would make the best mayor. Many members of our panel began their work still uncertain about their top pick; some even donated to candidates whom they ended up not picking. (We disclose all donations from panel members in the project.) Want all of The Times? Subscribe.