FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2020
Contact: Jake Oliver, jake@anatgerstein.com, (347) 361-9983
New York, N.Y. (January 9, 2020)— Citizens Union has issued the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum applauding the Senate for passing Automatic Voter Registration and on-campus polling site bills:
“Last year, New York saw a number of crucial pro-democracy reforms become law and we are pleased to see that work continue in 2020 with the passing of Automatic Voter Registration. Under Automatic Voter Registration, eligible citizens who interact with government agencies are automatically registered to vote or have their existing registration information updated, unless they affirmatively decline. This increases the number of voters who can participate in the electoral process, and ensures voting rolls are more accurate — which has saved money in the states where this reform already has been implemented.”
“We also applaud the legislature for taking steps today that will make it easier for young people to participate in our democracy. Today we saw legislation passed that will require that polling sites be located on campuses or university properties containing 300 or more registered voters – making it more convenient for students to vote.”
“We are thankful to Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for her unwavering commitment to expanding and protecting the right to vote in New York State, and to Senators Gianaris and Parker for introducing these bills. We urge the Assembly to swiftly pass these bills and for Governor Cuomo to sign this important legislation into law.”
For follow up, please contact Jake Oliver at Anat Gerstein, Inc. at
jake@anatgerstein.com or 347-361-9983
About Citizens Union
For 120 years, Citizens Union (CU) has been a force for transparency, accountability and ethics in New York’s City and State governments. A nonpartisan organization, some of our current initiatives include increased voter participation and civic engagement, greater police accountability, and an accurate 2020 census. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.