Another primary election has come and gone in New York City, and we are once again shaking our heads over poor voter turnout.
When fewer people vote, elected officials are accountable to only a handful of their constituents, and the electorate doesn’t reflect the diversity of our city. I recently outlined steps the city can take to increase turnout in amNewYork. They include moving our municipal elections to even-numbered years, a transformational reform gaining momentum both here in the city and in Albany.
With the primary behind us, we are preparing for another one of my favorite events on the political calendar – our Gotham Greats Celebration! I am delighted to share that we have five extraordinary honorees this year. I hope you’ll join us on the evening of October 24 to recognize Deborah Archer, Richard Buery, Eric R. Dinallo, Ed Skyler and Elizabeth Velez.
Finally, this week New York City lost a champion for good government, and I lost an extraordinary friend in Dick Ravitch. I was honored to speak at his memorial service, and I hope you’ll keep his family in your thoughts.
Best,
Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation
POLICY UPDATES
Election Recap
Earlier this month, we announced our preferences in four contested primary elections for New York City Council. After a rigorous evaluation of 15 candidates running for office, we preferred Susan Lee (District 1, Lower Manhattan), Susan Zhuang (District 43, Southern Brooklyn), Julie Won (District 26, Western Queens), and Lynn Schulman (District 29, central Queens, in their respective races. We evaluated candidates running for an open seat in District 9 (Harlem, Manhattan), but issued no preference in that race.
Each of these candidates showed a strong grasp of our issues, and we are delighted that Zhuang, Won and Schulman have won their respective primaries. We would also like to congratulate Christopher Marte for winning in District 1 and Yusef Salaam in District 9. We look forward to working with them to advance a reform agenda at City Hall.
Public Finance Roll Back
After years, advocating for public financing in state elections, a landmark law was passed to create a statewide matching funds program in 2020. Unfortunately, in the final days of this year’s legislative session, a bill passed that rolled back this major reform.
Publicly financed elections empower everyday voters. This legislation hands power back to the deep-pocketed special interests that have controlled Albany for generations. Not surprisingly, it was introduced late in session with no public debate. We encourage Governor Hochul veto this legislation.
Moving Elections to Even-Numbered Years
Earlier this month, the New York City Council held a hearing on how to boost voter turnout in local elections. One of the items discussed was a Resolution introduced by Council Member Sandra Ung, calling for city elections to be moved to even-numbered years. We testified in support of this common-sense reform that will boost turnout, diversify our electorate and cut down on costs associated with administering elections.
This idea is gaining momentum. This month, the legislature passed a bill from State Senator James Skoufis and Assemblymember Amy Paulin that moves certain local elections outside of New York City to even-numbered years. Governor Hochul has publicly expressed support for the idea, and we encourage her to sign this legislation into law.
To read more about how consolidating local elections with races for president or governor will strengthen our democracy, read our report Moving Municipal Elections to Even-Numbered Years.
Other Updates
On the last day of the legislative session in Albany, a bill was passed requiring lobbying expenditures made on behalf of an appointee subject to Senate approval to be disclosed. We supported this bill because New Yorkers must know who is spending money in support of nominees to important public offices, including judicial nominees.
Two election reforms that we spent years advocating for were implemented this month. New Yorkers can now register to vote online. Additionally, the voter registration deadline has been moved to 10 days before Election Day. This means voters can now register at their Early Voting site on the first day of Early Voting. This day has been dubbed by advocates as the “Golden Day.”
2023 GOTHAM GREATS CELEBRATION
Join us on Tuesday, October 24th, as we will hold our annual Gotham Greats Celebration at The Metropolitan Club. We are excited to come together with our valued supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of our esteemed honorees.
CU IN THE NEWS
Gothamist
Mayor Adams, a ranked-choice skeptic, declines to urge voters to pick multiple candidates
June 21, 2023
Spectrum News
Counties irate over Legislature’s plan to change election law
June 8, 2023
New York Post
NY Democrats turn ‘campaign reform’ into a new perk for incumbents
June 8, 2023
amNewYork
Voting in New York City needs transformational reform
June 14, 2023
City and State
New York City should move its municipal elections to even-numbered years
June 7, 2023
The Buffalo News
Death lawsuits, criminal records, campaign finance: Major Albany bills on tap in session’s final days
June 7, 2023
Gothamist
Lawmakers are moving some NY elections to even-numbered years. Could NYC be next?
June 7, 2023
BronxTalk
Voter Turnout
June 5, 2023
GOTHAM GAZETTE
Important Announcement
As you may have seen earlier this week, we have decided to temporarily pause publication of Gotham Gazette, effective July 1, as we determine the most exciting way to focus our coverage on issues at the core of Citizens Union Foundation’s mission. We thank the Gotham Gazette staff for their dedication, and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors. We look forward to bringing you the next chapter of Gotham Gazette soon.
Mayor Adams, City Council Announce Agreement on $107 Billion City Budget
by Samar Khurshid
Expansive Vote by Mail Bill Moved Through State Legislature as Session Ended
by Ethan Geringer-Sameth
City Council Examines Low Voter Turnout, Moving Local Elections to Even Years
by Ethan Geringer-Sameth