A Democratic candidate for district leader had his hopes dashed for elective office after he failed to specify his gender on qualifying petitions.
Local Democratic committee rules require candidates to specify their gender as either male (M), female (F) or non-binary (X).
Todd Stein, a talent manager who lives on the Upper East Side, said the (M) missing from his forms was the result of a printer’s error and shouldn’t disqualify him from the race.
“By disqualifying me, voters do not have a chance to vote for this position in the Primary, since the other candidate wins the election — by default — in an uncontested election,” said Stein, 57.
The city Board of Elections didn’t agree, however, and said without a clear gender marker it was “impossible for voters to know what he is running as” and warned of “creating voter confusion.” The gender rule has been in place since 2022.Todd Stein was booted from the ballot after his petition sheets failed to specify his gender.
New York Supreme Court Justice Lucy Billings agreed earlier this month, closing down Stein’s last avenue of appeal.
The decision clears the way for Stein’s challenger Ben Akselrod — now running unopposed — to secure the unpaid job in the June 27 Democratic primary.
“I think that candidates who need to make the ballot need to follow the law and that is his responsibility,” Akselrod said.
District Leaders are often springboards to larger elective office in New York — especially those with more limited means. The entry level pols vote in Democratic party leadership elections, help choose local judicial candidates, and staff polling sites.
“Paperwork is essential to the role,” said Akselrod.