Proposition 1, or the Equal Rights Amendment, is a ballot initiative in New York State aimed at expanding constitutional protections to prevent discrimination based on factors such as ethnicity, national origin, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare.

Civil rights attorney Bobbie Anne Cox has raised concerns that the language in the amendment regarding 'national origin' could potentially be used to justify noncitizen voting in New York State.

Supporters of Proposition 1, including the New York Civil Liberties Union, argue that the amendment does not change voter qualifications related to citizenship status and is focused on protecting abortion access and preventing government discrimination.

The Swanton Sector of the northern border between eastern New York and New Hampshire has experienced a significant increase in illegal border crossings, with more incidents in the last 12 months than the previous 17 years combined.

New York City previously passed a law in 2022 allowing noncitizens to vote in city elections, but it was ruled unconstitutional by the Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department in New York, and the city council is appealing the ruling.