As the year comes to a close, I’m proud to reflect on some of the significant milestones we’ve reached together in 2024. This month, the New York Daily News published an editorial endorsing our top priority: moving New York City’s municipal elections to even-numbered years. This reform has the potential to dramatically increase voter turnout, particularly among young voters and communities of color, and we are grateful for the growing momentum behind this effort.
I want to take a moment to congratulate John Avlon, who was recently elected as the new Chair of the Citizens Union and Citizens Union Foundation boards. John’s visionary leadership and dedication to good government will undoubtedly guide us into an exciting new chapter. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Chair Randy Mastro, whose remarkable eight years of service have left an indelible mark on this organization. Randy’s leadership has been instrumental in furthering our mission.
As we look forward to 2025, I want to thank each of you for your continued support of Citizens Union. Your engagement and advocacy are what make our work possible. I wish you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with hope, progress, and opportunity.
Best,
Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation
Citizens Union Unanimously Elects John Avlon as New Board Chair
Citizens Union and Citizens Union Foundation are proud to announce the unanimous election of John Avlon as their new Board Chair.
Avlon, an accomplished journalist, author, and civic leader, succeeds Randy Mastro, who has served with distinction as Chair since 2016. Avlon has been a dedicated member of Citizens Union’s board for 20 years and brings extensive experience to the role.
“It’s an honor to serve as the next chairman of Citizens Union,” said Avlon. “The need for a strong and independent union of citizens focusing on honest government and fair elections has never been greater. I look forward to building on this organization’s rich legacy and ensuring its impact grows in the years ahead.”
Read the full board chair announcement here.
POLICY UPDATES
CU Joins Coalition to Push for State Amendment to Boost NYC Voter Turnout
Earlier this month, we joined a coalition of over 20 civic and voting rights groups to support City Council Resolution 189-A by City Council Member Sandra Ung, calling on the New York State Legislature to move New York City’s municipal elections to even-numbered years.
Voter participation in New York City municipal elections has been in decline for two decades and could reach a new low of 21-22% in next year’s mayoral race. At a recent public hearing, we shared evidence supporting the move to even-numbered year elections, including:
- A new report by the University of California, San Diego, shows that voter turnout for local races in the 2024 election saw a significant rise, with cities like San Francisco and Las Vegas experiencing up to a fivefold increase after switching to even-numbered years.
- New research indicates that off-cycle elections have notable racial and age disparities. While overall voter turnout increases in presidential elections, minority voters see a particularly significant boost.
- Even-numbered elections enhance support for local issues; in November 2024, ballot Proposition 1 received more votes than the mayoral race did in the previous election.
For more details on the benefits of moving elections to even-numbered years for New York City, read our full memorandum in support.
End the Gridlock: Reform Needed to End Confusing Charter Revision Process
Mayor Adams has appointed a second Charter Revision Commission this year, following the City Council’s approval of their own in November. Under Municipal Home Rule Law §36, if the mayoral commission places a question on the 2025 ballot, other charter proposals are barred, delaying the Council’s proposals to 2026.
This situation of dueling charter revision commissions is ineffective and will confuse the public. While the individuals appointed to the mayor’s new commission are highly qualified, this move seems intended to block the City Council’s ongoing efforts to amend the city’s constitution.
State lawmakers must act in January to close the loophole that allows mayors to block ballot questions by passing legislation (A5661A/S9935) from Assembly Member Tony Simone and Senator Liz Krueger. Until then, the City Charter will remain vulnerable to political jousting between mayors and city councils.
Read our full statement here.
Voting Rights Groups Call for City Council to Reconsider Frank Seddio’s Nomination to the Board of Elections
We joined several good government groups to send a letter to the City Council expressing concern over the potential appointment of Frank Seddio, a former chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, as Commissioner of Elections.
In the letter, we emphasized the importance of appointing election commissioners based on merit rather than political connections. We believe that to prevent conflicts of interest, there should be restrictions on who can be appointed. We urge the Council to provide the necessary oversight to ensure that the NYC Board of Elections progresses toward greater professionalism, transparency, and accountability while prioritizing the needs of voters.
You can read our full letter here.
CU IN THE NEWS
Crain’s New York Business
Tisch’s NYPD house-cleaning is latest reform in Adams world
December 23, 2024
Crain’s New York Business
Top NYPD officer resigns amid sexual abuse allegations
December 21, 2024
Crain’s New York Business
Hochul vetoes bill to boost Port Authority oversight
December 18, 2025
POLITICO
Playbook Newsletter (Cuomo’s legal picture)
December 18, 2024
NY1 Inside City Hall
Citizens Union talks about mayor’s Charter Revision Commission
December 13, 2024
Gothamist/WNYC
We’re number 49! NYC ranks second-to-last in voter turnout for big cities
December 5, 2024
WHAT WE’RE READING ELSEWHERE
New York Daily News: Opinion: Getting more N.Y.ers to vote: Enhance democracy with even-year elections and open primaries
The New York Times: Judge in Adams Corruption Case Upholds Bribery Charge Against the Mayor
The City: Eric Adams Campaign Denied Public Matching Funds, In Blow to Reelection Bid
AP News: Ingrid Lewis-Martin, chief adviser to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, resigns and expects to be indicted