The 2022 midterm election season is officially behind us. Earlier this month, New Yorkers headed to the polls to vote for local, state, and federal races in the midterm elections.
We are pleased that three of the four candidates we endorsed this cycle were victorious. We look forward to working with them to advance a strong reform agenda in Albany. Additionally, voters approved all four ballot proposals.
You can read more about the midterm elections and our work on voting and ethics reform in this edition of The Reformer.
Best,
Betsy Gotbaum
POLICY UPDATES
Recap of the Midterm Election
Last month, we announced our endorsements for the midterm election in several key races for Governor, State Senate, and State Assembly. We congratulate CU-endorsed candidates Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator-elect Iwen Chu, and Senator Toby Ann Stavisky on their victories.
We also announced our recommendations on proposals on the ballot for the general election, including our position to support a statewide ballot proposal and three citywide ballot proposals. The statewide ballot proposal for the Environmental Bond Act won by a wide margin, allowing the state to borrow $4.2 billion to pay for several projects to protect New York from more extreme weather due to climate change. The three New York City ballot proposals aimed at bolstering racial justice across the five boroughs were approved by voters in an overwhelming majority.
To view our online voter directory for the general election, click here.
Recap of GoVoteNYC Panel
Earlier this month, we joined GoVoteNYC for a conversation on big ideas in voting reform with issue experts and reform advocates. The panel discussion focused on unpacking aligned elections’ possible benefits and unintended consequences.
At the panel, Citizens Union presented the findings from new research which examined the potential of moving New York City’s local elections from odd to even-numbered years. Our analysis found that if the city had shifted its municipal elections to coincide with the presidential or gubernatorial elections, it could have substantially increased voter turnout up and down the ballot, with the largest participation gains going to young voters and voters of color. We also found that election consolidation could save the city millions of dollars and assist election officials in preparing for the next cycle.
State Government Ethics Reform
This month Citizens Union co-authored two letters with other good government watchdog groups calling for ethics reform in Albany.
The first letter, addressed to the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government members, requested that they investigate JCOPE’s approval of former Governor Cuomo’s book deal and compliance with and enforcement of the terms of that approval. The letter also requested the Commission revise its rules to require Commission approval for outside income requests of agency heads and statewide officials.
To read the first letter, click here.
In the second letter, we called on Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James to announce their final nominations to New York’s Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. Four seats on the new ethics commission remain unfilled.
To read the second letter, click here.
Annual Meeting of the Let NY Vote Coalition
Earlier this month, Citizens Union helped organize the annual strategy meeting of Let NY Vote, the largest statewide coalition fighting to make voting more accessible and equitable for every eligible New Yorker.
The next legislative session is fast approaching, and in preparation, the coalition finalized our legislative agenda. In 2023, we will continue pushing for a shorter registration deadline, expanded absentee voting, better election administration, and improved outreach programs for underrepresented groups.
CU IN THE NEWS
Spectrum News NY
Hochul urged to approve law to strengthen spending oversight
November 16, 2022
NY Post
Let’s do it again: New push for probe of Cuomo’s $5M COVID-19 book deal
November 14, 2022
Spectrum News
Groups urge state ethics watchdog to probe $5M Cuomo book approval, failed policies
November 14, 2022
Queens Chronicle
New Council districts all set
November 3, 2022
Harlem World
Citizens Union Responds To NYC Districting Commission Approval
November 2, 2022
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CU FLASHBACK
125 years ago, our founders outlined Citizens Union’s Declaration of Principles and Objects, demands to make New York City government more accountable to the people. In addition to demanding fair, independent elections and strong ethics reforms, we also called for fair labor practices.