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

• 
  Queens News and Community Updates Affecting Roosevelt Island Residents
  For Roosevelt Island residents, Queens news and community updates are both close and relevant. From local incidents to new openings and street safety, see how city events shape our days.
• 
  How Roosevelt Island Reflects New York’s Big Moments This Week
  This week, see how Roosevelt Island reflects New York’s big moments, from citywide sports wins and parades to local voting and youth programs.
• 
  How Roosevelt Island Reflects a City on the Move
  Discover how Roosevelt Island reflects a city on the move, capturing the currents of New York through neighborhood routines, sports celebrations, and community moments.
• 
  Keeping Steady Through City Currents: How Roosevelt Island Residents Stay Connected
  New York’s shifting news often impacts daily routines on the island. Discover how Roosevelt Island residents stay connected through city changes and local events.
• 
  Neighborhood Notes: Weekly Changes and Community Moments Across Roosevelt Island and Beyond
  Neighborhood notes on weekly changes and community moments across Roosevelt Island and neighboring areas, including emergency response, community events, new developments, and local reflections.

Featured

Howard Polivy, the Man Who Never Left

A long tenure, a consistent vote, and the comfort of continuity

Eleanor Rivers Jan 30, 2026

There is a particular rhythm to board meetings. Once you have sat through enough of them, they begin to blend together. The agenda appears. The minutes are approved.

Uncover the Story →