Citizens Union and Citizens Union Foundation are committed to reforming New York City and State government by fostering accountability, accessibility, transparency, honesty and the highest ethical standards. Always nonpartisan, since 1897, we have devoted ourselves to holding our government accountable and the enfranchisement of all New Yorkers.
Fighting for reform, fighting for New York.
Our Most Recent Press Releases
Statement from Citizens Union Congratulating Governor Kathy Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin
Citizens Union released the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum congratulating Governor Kathy Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin on their new positions.
Read the full statement here
Watchdogs Ask Elected Leaders to Take Immediate Actions to Restore Public Trust in NY State Government
Over the past decades, New Yorkers have seen a seemingly endless parade of scandals, corruption and abuse of power that has forced out two former Governors, two Senate leaders, a state Attorney General, an Assembly Speaker and a state Comptroller, among others.
Read the full statement here
Statement regarding the findings of the Attorney General’s investigation into allegations against Governor Cuomo
Citizens Union released the following statement from Chair Randy Mastro and Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum in reaction to the findings of the Attorney General’s investigation into allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo:
Read the full statement here
Citizens Union Analysis Shows Positive Impact of Ranked Choice Voting in June Election
Citizens Union released a detailed analysis of the June primary elections in New York City, examining the impact of Ranked Choice Voting. The analysis found that Ranked Choice Voting gave more voters a say in elections, with fewer votes “wasted” on candidates who fell well short of winning their races. The analysis also found that voter turnout increased; voters embraced Ranked Choice Voting and navigated the system well; and the number of women running, and the number of women and people of color winning increased. These benefits were seen throughout the city.
Read the full statement here
Citizens Union Outlines Steps the Board of Elections Must Take to Regain the Trust of Voters After Latest Blunder
After a counting error from the New York City Board of Elections (BOE) threw New York City’s June primary into chaos, Citizens Union has issued a series of recommendations aimed at restoring the faith voters have in the BOE. The recommendations call on the BOE to be fully transparent as votes are counted, accelerate the release of raw vote count data and agree to an independent inquiry. Citizens Union also renewed their call to make the BOE independent of party leaders, and called on the state legislature to take steps to create a more effective, independent agency.
Read the full statement here
Recent Events
Civic Conversations, Spring for Reform 2020
