May 28, 2013 - Vito Lopez Scandal Highlights Need to Fix Flawed Voting Procedures and Increase Transparency. Calls On State Leaders to Address Legislatively this Session as Part of Anti-Corruption Reforms.
May 22, 2013 - Good government groups issued this statement today voicing their strenuous opposition to S.4088-B (Golden/No Number Yet in the Assembly), a bill that would authorize the New York City Board of Elections (City Board) to use mechanical lever voting machines in and for any non-federal elections. The bill has passed the Senate and the Assembly is seriously considering a return to lever machines.
April 3, 2013 - Responds To federal complaint against Senator Malcolm Smith and City Councilmember Dan Halloran with proposals for campaign finance reform, new power for State Attorney General and nonpartisan elections.
March 26, 2013 - Positive actions include no messages of necessity and open budget website. Role for rank-and-file legislators and use of conference committees still needs strengthening.
March 19, 2013 - Good Government Group's request for more substantive and meaningful annual report met. Includes in-depth operational data for each election held this past year.
Citizens Union provides its own analysis of high and low points; report highlights needed legislative and administrative changes to improve administration of elections and voter engagement.
February 25, 2013 - Releases major investigative report On New York State’s Failure To Provide Oversight on nursing homes’ use of chemical restraints on older New Yorkers. First significant site redesign in 14 years for Citizens Union Foundation’s pioneering watchdog publication.
February 13, 2013 - Unprecedented transparency of decision-making can dispel cynicism and increase public confidence. Staff Memorandum’s robust disclosure can serve as a model for other jurisdictions.
January 23, 2013 - Number of seats held far apart from voters party registration or total number of votes cast. Twelve senate Democrats told their voters in Summer 2012 they will support constitutional amendment on redistricting.
January 15, 2013 - Public Safety Goal of Anti-Gun Violence Measure Laudable But Public Interest Not Served Well When Democratic Process Short Circuited.
January 9, 2013 - Citizens Union commends Governor Cuomo for again making the case for campaign finance reform in his annual State of the State address.
January 7, 2013 - Recommends publicly releasing written rationales for each district to make commission's decision-making more transparent. Concerns include protection of incumbents, underrepresentation of Asian Americans, and division of East Harlem.
November 19, 2012 - Council races are more contested, feature more candidates, with campaigns more evenly financed than state legislative races. Public matching programs play a large role; campaign finance reform needed for state elections.
November 14, 2012 - Photographs and affidavits submitted to state supreme court and appellate division raise questions about election-day conduct warranting an investigation.
November 7, 2012 - 501c4 Organization that sent political mail against Addabbo, Latimer, O'Brien senate races has not registered with the charities bureau, avoiding disclosure of financial information mandated by law.