Ranked choice voting comes to New York for the first time, this year, but it’s not just about politics. Mayor Bill de Blasio, also, announced a contest for the best pizza toppings.

By David Stone

Roosevelt Island Daily News

Ranked Choice Voting and the Pizza Challenge

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Chief Democracy Officer Laura Wood announced ‘Rank Your Pizza,’ an interactive challenge that educates New Yorkers on the new system by encouraging voters to rank their favorite pizza toppings in a ranked choice system.

The mayor got it started, listing his own ranked choices.

• Green peppers
• Olives
• Sausage
• Mushrooms
• Pepperoni

But it was not without controversy.

“Let me tell you what never, ever, ever should be voted for,” de Blasio added in a press briefing. “This is ridiculous, okay? Pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza. We’re not in California. Okay? It is like – this is sacrilegious in Italy to put pineapple on a pizza. So, I’m just – totally, no way, never going to rank that.

“This year, democracy gets an upgrade in New York City. But any new system takes time and practice to get it right. That’s why we’re calling on every New Yorker to rank their pizza toppings this week – it’s a fun, interactive way to demonstrate Ranked Choice Voting and get New Yorkers excited to cast their ballot.”

Participate in the challenge yourself, and preview the new voting system, at www.nyc.gov/votepizza.

Early Voting for the June Primary Election begins on Saturday, June 12th.

New Yorkers interested in voting by absentee ballot must request their ballots at https://nycabsentee.com/ by Tuesday, June 15th. Election Day will be Tuesday, June 22nd.

Also from the Roosevelt Island Daily

• 
  MTA Launches Six-Year Signal and Track Overhaul on A and C Subway Lines
  The MTA launches a six-year signal and track overhaul on A and C subway lines, bringing CBTC and major infrastructure upgrades to the Fulton and Liberty Avenue corridors through 2032.
• 
  Long Island City Rent Overcharge Lawsuit Seeks $50 Million Against Developer
  A Long Island City rent overcharge lawsuit seeks about $50 million from Rockrose Development, raising questions about billing practices, tenant protections, and legal oversight in NYC’s fast-changing rental market.
• 
  Astoria E-Scooter Rider Dies After Northern Boulevard Crash in Long Island City
  A 22-year-old Astoria e-scooter rider died after a Northern Boulevard crash in Long Island City. Details remain under investigation, highlighting micromobility risks on busy city streets.
• 
  Hate Crime Charges Filed After Vandalism at Fresh Meadows Kosher Bagel Shop
  Hate crime charges have been filed after vandalism at a kosher bagel shop in Fresh Meadows, with prosecutors alleging bias-motivated acts. Hearings are set in New York’s legal process.
• 
  Midtown Subway Shooting Leaves 26-Year-Old Dead; Queens Incidents Separate
  A shooting inside a Manhattan subway station left a 26-year-old dead. Police investigate the Midtown incident and separate shootings in Queens as commuters seek safety.

Free at the Door, Paid Somewhere Else

RIOC projected Tram growth and OMNY would strengthen transportation revenue. Its latest accounts show the Red Bus and Tram both losing money, while the public is not shown one transportation bill.

Theo Gobblevelt Sep 11, 2026

The Red Bus is one of Roosevelt Island’s most popular public services, and for good reason. For residents near the subway and Tram, it may be a convenience. For residents at Manhattan Park, the Octagon, Coler and the northern WIRE buildings, it can be the connection that makes the rest of the Island accessible.

Continue reading →