Both back of the ballot props pass

A total of two propositions were on the back of the ballot this year; both of which passed. Though vote counts, as of press time, were unofficial.
Proposal one, an amendment to Article 1 Section 11 of the New York State Constitution, passed, 53.6 percent yes votes, or 371,398 yes to 321,462 no. Proposal two regarding the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act, also passed with 71.58 percent of the vote or 489,720 yes votes to 194,461 no votes.
Proposal one will add protections for New Yorkers from ethnicity, age, disability, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and pregnancy or pregnancy outcomes. It will also protect against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy.
The amendment was formerly known, “New York Equal Rights Amendment.” It was listed on the ballot as “Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment.” Currently, the amendment protects New Yorkers from discrimination based on race, color, creed or religion.
Proposal two will now allow the Drinking Water Protection Program to be funded by one quarter percent sales and use tax. The current sales and use tax in Suffolk County, NY is 8.625 percent.
The amendment involves the Resolution No. 526-2024, A Charter Law Pursuant To The Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act. It will amend Article XII of the Suffolk County Charter to extend and revise the Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program.
Now passed, the clean water projects and improvements in drinking water, bays and harbors will be funded until 2060.