For Immediate Release
Contact: Jake Oliver, jake@anatgerstein.com, 347 361 9983
Report Issued Today is an Endorsement of Major Reforms To Increase Voter Participation in City Elections
New York, NY (April 30, 2025) — Citizens Union has issued the following statement from Board Chair John Avlon applauding the Charter Revision Commission for including two transformative reforms in their report issued today: moving New York City elections to even-numbered years and implementing a top-two open primary system. These long-standing priorities of Citizens Union represent important steps toward a more inclusive, participatory, and representative local democracy:
“The 2025 Charter Revision Commission has shown courage and wisdom by proposing practical solutions to the problem of low voter participation that leads to increased polarization and decreased faith in our democracy.
“The two reforms put forward by the commission will strengthen our democracy and bring more New Yorkers into the electoral process.
“An open primary system – with top two general elections – will give New York City’s more than one million independent voters the voice they deserve in deciding who leads our city.
“Holding city elections in even-numbered years will significantly increase voter turnout—especially among young people and communities of color.
“These recommendations reflect growing momentum for real reform. Citizens Union commends the Charter Revision Commission for listening to the public and recognizing the urgent need to make our elections more inclusive, accessible, and representative, and we look forward to providing more input supporting these proposals at the next round of hearings.
“New York needs reform and this is a crucial step forward.”
In February, Citizens Union issued Charter Reforms for Better New York City Government, a report urging both New York City Charter Revision Commissions to take decisive action to strengthen democracy and enhance government accountability. Citizen Union’s own research shows that consolidating elections into even-numbered years boosts turnout by aligning local races with high-profile federal and state contests. Similarly, top-two open primaries create more competitive, less polarized elections and expand participation to all voters regardless of party affiliation.
About Citizens Union
For over 125 years, Citizens Union has been a leading non-partisan advocate for good government, transparency, ethics, and democratic reform in New York City and State. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.