New York State Proposition 1,a Measure to Prevent Selling Violent Video Games to Minors,known as Proposition 1 or the Minors Ballot,was a ballot proposition in New York state intended to prevent purchases of violent video games to minors. The measure was narrowly defeated,with 50.67% voting no and 49.33% voting yes.
Campaign[]
Both campaigns spent over a hundred million dollars in the course of just 2 months. Unlike the California Ballot Measure,also highly covered by the media,the support and opposition seemed divided,and no one was sure if the measure would pass or not. Polls seemed divided on the issue,although most Republicans were opposed to the measure.
Proponents[]
Proponents argued that violence has in video games contributes to crime and violence;therefore violent video games should not be sold to minors.
The New York Democratic Party,along with all of it's county affiliates(except for the Schoharie County one,which remained neutral),plus the New York City,Albany County,Rensselaer,Clinton,and Franklin Republican Parties also endorsed the measure. This did lead to the Republicans endorsing the measure to be censured by the New York Republican Party,a measure that was mostly praised,but also drew some criticism from some Republicans. Democratic presidential nominee,Mike Gabbard,endorsed the measure,stating that violence in video games is a huge problem.
Opponents[]
Opponents argued that violence in video games does not cause real life violence,and that restricted ratings would drive video game companies out of the state.
The New York Republican Party,along with 57 of it's county level parties opposed the measure,stating that Democrats are trying to push a nanny state on individuals by driving video game publishers out of the state. Numerous Republican state legislators had opposed the measure too,along with incumbent Republican president Phil Scott.
Results[]
The measure was narrowly defeated with 50.67% voting no and 49.33% voting yes. Yes votes came from New York City,Albany,Rensselaer,Franklin,and Clinton counties. Every other county voted against the measure,including the Democratic leaning Schoirare County. After the measure,many Democrats had stated the election was spoiled,but the Governor of New York,Marc Molinaro,had stated that the election was defeated fairly.