Dear Friend,
With the New York State redistricting cycle finally behind us, now is a good time to take a step back and reflect on all that went wrong and how we can improve the process for the future.
The entire years-long redistricting process was highly chaotic. We can’t allow this process to play out again. We must act now to implement reforms well before the next redistricting cycle.
You can read about our recommendations for improving redistricting and other activities of Citizens Union in this edition of The Reformer.
Best,
Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation
P.S. Join us for our next Civic Conversation on Wednesday, April 3rd, with NYC Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch. RSVP to attend in person or the live stream here.
POLICY UPDATES
How to Fix New York’s Redistricting Process
Recently, we partnered with the League of Women Voters of NYS to share our response to the conclusion of the state’s chaotic redistricting process. New York cannot afford to let this process repeat itself. Instead, we should take action now to improve the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) well before the next redistricting cycle.
These reforms include reducing partisanship in the selection of IRC commissioners, expanding the commission to better reflect the state’s diversity, and ensuring a simple majority voting rule to prevent obstructionism. Additionally, the IRC must be empowered as the primary authority for redistricting, and the Legislature should not have the power to veto and replace the commission’s maps.
Read the full piece in the Albany Times Union, here.
Hofstra University Civil Rights Panel on Expanding the Vote
Last month, Citizens Union participated in a panel at Hofstra University to commemorate Black History Month and to honor the legacy of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The panel focused on promoting political engagement in New York and across the country and discussed ways to increase voter turnout among historically underrepresented groups, young voters, and racially marginalized communities.
We discussed Citizens Union’s proposal to move local elections to even-numbered years. Our research shows this is the best way to increase voter turnout in local elections and that the largest turnout gains would be amongst young people and in communities of color.
Citizens Union Primary Candidate Evaluation is Underway!
Since 1910, Citizens Union has been evaluating candidates for elected office. In the upcoming election cycle, you will have the opportunity to vote for New York State Senate and Assembly.
Our Local Candidates Committee evaluates candidates running for state office based on our reform agenda. Once the assessment process is complete, Citizens Union will publish a Voters Directory to help you make an informed decision at the polls.
You can find more information about the process here.
CIVIC CONVERSATION
You’re invited!
Join us on Wednesday, April 3rd, for our next in-person Civic Conversation with NYC Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch. RSVP to attend in person or the live stream here.
CU IN THE NEWS
The Times Union
Commentary: How to fix New York’s redistricting process
March 25, 2024
WHAT WE’RE READING ELSEWHERE
Buffalo News: During ‘Sunshine Week’, good government groups urge reform of New York’s public records law
New York Magazine: Frank Carone on Eric Adams’s Smash-and-Grab New York
NY State of Politics: New York Legislature Repeals Call for federal constitutional convention
Syracuse Post Standard: People held in pretrial detention must be able to vote
To follow New York city and state news on a daily basis, be sure to subscribe to POLITICO New York Playbook, City & State First Read, Gothamist, The City’s The Scoop, and NY State of Politics: Spectrum News.