Redistricting

April 27, 2022 - Citizens Union releases the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum in response to the NYS Court of Appeals ruling on the state's redistricting maps

February 22, 2022 — Citizens Union today issued a report outlining measures to ensure a fair City Council redistricting process. Fair and Open City Council Redistricting recommends the city appoint City Council redistricting commissioners who will adopt expansive anti-gerrymandering criteria, ensure transparency and have not served in an elected office for the past five years.

October 29, 2014 - New analysis shows lack of competition in 2014 election cycle: many legislators already elected without a single vote being cast.

October 23, 2014 - Citizens Union is pleased to hear that Attorney General Eric Schneiderman believes that Prop 1 – the proposed constitutional amendment that bans legislative maps drawn for political advantage – does not change the state’s law banning prison-based gerrymandering.

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 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.

December 3, 2012 - Good Government Group concerned over flawed process, tainted decision on District 34, and need for more public input.

May 4, 2012 - These decisions demonstrate more clearly than ever before that we could not have relied on the courts or the Justice Department to correct our fatally flawed redistricting process.

March 12, 2012 - Proposal creates independent commission to draw state legislative and congressional district lines. Creates a more inclusive and independent commission while discouraging gerrymandering in future map drawing.

March 8, 2012 - Governor-negotiated constitutional amendment, mirroring statute, and improved 2012 district lines represent best reform option.

March 6, 2012 - Citizens Union urges Governor and Legislature to act now to improve maps for 2012 and enact permanent constitutional and statutory changes.

February 28, 2012 - "A Veto is Essentially A Spanking - It Stings, But It is Temporary."

February 24, 2012 - Former AG details legal framework for a constitutional amendment and statute.

February 23, 2012 - Good Government Groups wants Governor to seize the moment and seek permanent constitutional reform. LATFOR drawn maps demonstrate why fundamental and lasting redistricting reform is needed.

February 2, 2012 - Draft maps manipulate population deviation to maximize majority power. Opportunity to elect districts falls short of creating a legislature reflecting the state's diversity. Good Government Group's testimony before LATFOR follows appearance in Albany criticizing LATFOR for unnecessarily dividing cities and counties and violating the state constitution's requirement for compact districts.

January 11, 2012 - Redistricting reform must be top reform priority as legislature returns to Albany. Legislators must finally honor commitments to voters to regain public trust.

September 21, 2011 - Urges state legislature to return to Albany for a special session to pass redistricting reform. New two-step proposal would involve acceptable reform in 2012 and constitutional amendment passage bringing about permanent reform.

September 7, 2011 - Calls on legislators to return to Albany to pass redistricting reform at hearing in Queens. Party-controlled and partisan body continues with the status quo redistricting process.

July 6, 2011 - Grade Of "I" For "Incomplete" Needs To Be Removed If Not, LATFOR-drawn Lines Will Be Vetoed By Governor.