Albany, N.Y. -- In a year when a coup shut down the state senate, and the naming of a lieutenant governor caused a court battle, the biggest controversy over the two ballot propositions is that they don't give voters any real say in fixing the dysfunction in Albany. 

Like all propositions in New York, they are listed across the top of the ballot and are easy to overlook.

Proposition One involves a land swap of ten acres from a forest preserve near the Canadian border. National Grid needs the land to construct a power line. New York receives land of equal value near the Adirondacks.

Proposition Two involves inmate work details. Currently inmates in state and county facilities can volunteer to perform clean-up work in the community. Voters can decide whether to allow inmates to also perform work for nonprofit charities and educational organizations.