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As you may have heard, this month Citizens Union launched ElectNYC.org, the most comprehensive, nonpartisan voter resource available to New Yorkers ahead of this pivotal election.
It’s hard to believe, but in less than 2 months the primary election will be behind us. We will know who will likely serve as New York City’s next Mayor, and who will assume dozens of other important positions in our city government. These individuals will potentially shape our city for the next eight years.
As we recover from the twin economic and public health crises brought on by the pandemic, the stakes couldn’t be higher. New Yorkers need unbiased, accurate information, to make the right choices for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Voter education has always been an important part of the Citizens Union Foundation’s work. ElectNYC will be separate from Citizens Union’s endorsement process. For unbiased information about the candidates running in your neighborhood, please visit ElectNYC.org. And be sure to share this valuable resource with your friends and neighbors.
Best,
Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation
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Money Secured in State Budget for Redistricting
In 2014, voters approved a constitutional amendment to create an independent redistricting commission to draw district lines, a reform long championed by Citizens Union. Last month, we joined the League of Women Voters of NYS in highlighting the need to adequately fund the commission in this op-ed published in Newsday.
We are delighted that the Legislature and Governor responded by fully funding the commission in the state budget. With these resources, we are confident that the commission can begin the work of drawing fair, impartial district lines.
Rights Restoration Passes Both Houses of the Legislature
Our democracy is strongest when we all can participate. New Yorkers who have been released from incarceration deserve full voting rights, but right now those rights are contingent on a pardon from the Governor. Denying voting rights to the formerly incarcerated furthers racial inequality.
This month, the Legislature passed a bill that will codify voting rights for the formerly incarcerated. We thank Sen. Leroy Comrie, Sen. Zellnor Myrie, Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell, and Assembly Member Latrice Walker for leading the charge on this important issue, and urge Governor Cuomo to sign this important legislation into law immediately. |
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ElectNYC.org is Live!
Last week, ElectNYC.org, our nonpartisan voter education effort for the 2021 New York City elections, went live. ElectNYC.org provides non-partisan and unbiased write-ups on the candidates running in the NYC primary and is the most comprehensive voter resource currently available.
Under the leadership of Eleanor Randolph, and in partnership with Gotham Gazette, the website provides critical information for voters. This includes in-depth, original reporting on candidates, descriptions of each office, as well as information about how to vote and much more.
To learn more about the candidates running in your neighborhood, visit ElectNYC.org, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. |
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Breakfast Brief on Police Reform and Public Safety
Public safety and police reform are critical issues to the future of our city. Last month, Citizens Union issued a report outlining an agenda for police reform in New York City (you can read our report here). We followed that up this month by hosting a Breakfast Brief, featuring NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller, New York City Council Member Adrienne Adams, and Chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board Rev. Fred Davie. The discussion was moderated by Gotham Gazette’s Ben Max.
You can read a recap and view the video here. To learn more about the Civic Society, which supports these monthly conversations, click here. |
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CU MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
GAIL ERICKSON
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| Gail Erickson has been an integral part of Citizens Union since 1994, when longtime CU supporter Walter Mintz asked her to join the board.
In her 27 years with the organization, Gail has served on both the Local Candidate Committee and the Policy Committee. She has been deeply involved in the organization’s efforts to ensure a fair and impartial redistricting process.
Gail remains involved in CU because she believes good government groups are increasingly important, as politics has become more complex and there are more disparate voices being heard. She is particularly excited about ElectNYC and the effort to educate voters about the upcoming primaries in June.
Citizens Union relies on members like Gail. To get more involved, reach out to us today! |
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GOTHAM GAZETTE
Facing a dire financial situation due to the pandemic’s impact on fundraising events, Gotham Gazette put out a call for support and received an incredibly heartening and helpful response from readers and those willing to invest in our unique brand of local political journalism. Gotham Gazette raised just over $105,000 in December and early January, including more than 700 individual contributions and an additional grant from Altman Foundation on top of its ongoing support. Thank you to everyone who contributed and made sure that Gotham Gazette could continue to publish into 2021 at its current strength.
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GET INVOLVED!
Sign up to receive Gotham Gazette’s award-winning morning newsletter, The Eye Opener, HERE. Learn More about all of our work HERE. Join us and support our work with a donation HERE. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and like, comment and share our content! |
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