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Ballot question

City of Buffalo Proposal 5: Mayoral succession

On the ballot in
City of Buffalo
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

Amends the Charter clarifying that in the event the office of Mayor becomes vacant, the Common Council President becomes Acting Mayor.

A “Yes” vote means

Amends section 4-5 of the City Charter to state that the Common Council President becomes Acting Mayor if the office of Mayor becomes vacant.

A “No” vote means

Leaves the City Charter unchanged.

Official plain English statement

When Mayor Brown left office before the end of his term, it was not clear if the Common Council President became Acting Mayor or just assumed the powers and duties of the office. This amendment would clarify that the Council President becomes Acting Mayor and that the district seat becomes temporarily vacant and can be filled by the Common Council.

Question text is the summary line printed under the proposal's heading in the board of elections' "City of Buffalo Ballot Propositions 2026" document; the printed ballot's exact wording may differ. The explanation is that document's abstract.

Sources

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.