SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – The polls in Central New York are already open with election day less than a week away, and while many residents are keen to select a candidate for tightly contested senate and house races, the ballot also includes New York state Proposal 1. 

Proposal 1 is an amendment to the state constitution that prevents discrimination based on many factors including national origin, gender identity and reproductive health care.  

Some early voters were unaware of the amendment, which is listed on the back, or near the bottom of ballots. Kevin Dombroske, a former social studies teacher in the North Syracuse school district, did not know a ton about the proposal when he entered the polls.

“I know its controversial. I’m not an in-depth student of proposition one. I have had neighbors call me and tell me to vote against it, and when I asked them why, they said it’s dangerous,” Dombroske said. 

New York State Senator Rachel May is seeking re-election in the 48^th district. She backs Proposal 1. 

“Proposal 1 takes the protections that exist in law right now for women, for LGBTQ folks, for people with disabilities and codifies them into the constitution,” May said.  

Republicans who oppose the amendment say that since abortion is already legal in New York there is no need to change the state’s constitution. There is also concern from those opposing the proposal about the protection of gender identity, given the rise of biological male athletes participating in female sports.  

May and other Democrats worry about the actions of future administrations, especially after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court. 

“What we’re worried about is a situation where a different government might try to roll them back, and changing the constitution takes a lot more time and effort than just passing a law,” May said.  

Proposal 1 will be located near the bottom or on the back of ballots across New York.