For Immediate Release
Contact: Jake Oliver, jake@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-9983
With broad public backing, even-year elections would make NYC’s democracy more inclusive and reflective of its voters
Citizens Union also expresses disappointment over the Commission’s decision to exclude open primaries from proposed reforms
New York, NY (July 21, 2025) — Citizens Union issued the following statement from Executive Director Grace Rauh ahead of the final meeting of the 2025 Charter Revision Commission, which is expected to approve a ballot question to move New York City’s local elections to even-numbered years. This reform has long been championed by Citizens Union, which has provided the Commission with testimony, research, and comments addressing various aspects of election consolidation:
“Citizens Union applauds the Charter Revision Commission for embracing a reform we have long supported: moving New York City’s local elections to even-numbered years, when voter turnout is significantly higher.
“Throughout the Commission’s months-long hearing process, shifting elections to even years emerged as one of the most popular and widely backed reforms considered by the panel. It received broad support from civic and community groups, voting rights organizations, editorial boards, elected officials, and even candidates running in the current odd-year cycle. Polls have shown widespread, cross-partisan support among New Yorkers for consolidating local elections—and nearly every time this question has been put before voters across the country, it has passed by large margins, with an average approval rate of 72%.
“This is a bold, commonsense reform that will help make New York City’s government more representative, more responsive, and more reflective of its people.
“We look forward to continuing to support this important reform as it moves toward the ballot and encourage all New Yorkers to vote in favor of it this fall.”
“At the same time, Citizens Union is deeply disappointed by the Commission’s decision not to advance open primaries—a critical election reform that would give more than one million unaffiliated voters a meaningful say in our most important local elections. As our board chair John Avlon said last week, this was a lost opportunity to strengthen our democracy.
“We commend the Commission for listening to the voices of experts, advocates, and everyday New Yorkers, and we thank Chair Richard Buery, the commissioners, and Executive Director Alec Schierenbeck for conducting a thoughtful, judicious, and transparent process with significant public input.
For a comprehensive list of Citizens Union’s work on Even-Year Elections—including the organization’s testimonies before the 2025 Charter Revision Commission and its January 2023 report “Moving Municipal Elections to Even-Numbered Years” see below:
About Citizens Union
For more than a century, Citizens Union has been leading the fight for reform in New York. We are a non-partisan good government group that serves as a civic watchdog to combat corruption. We are New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds and political beliefs, united in our commitment to put the public interest ahead of all special interests. We work to ensure honest and accountable government, fair and open elections, and a civically engaged public. Principled and pragmatic, Citizens Union is an independent force for constructive reform, driving policy solutions to achieve responsible and responsive government in the City and State of New York. Learn more atwww.citizensunion.org.
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