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Good Government Groups to NYC Election Commissioners: Put Questions Certified by City Clerk on the Ballot
Today, Tuesday, September 08, 2025, Citizens Union, Reinvent Albany, and the Association for a Better…
Letter to the Charter Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy requesting public update on Commission’s work
August 27, 2025 - We write to request that you quickly release the Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy final report, which was scheduled to be released before the end of July. We also ask that you provide the public with an estimated timeline of the Commission’s planned activity from now until next November that makes it clear whether there will be additional public outreach and solicitation of recommendations and when proposed Charter changes will be selected for the ballot.
Public Comment for Voting Rights Act Preclearance – Moving New York City’s Elections to Even Years
August 18, 2025 - Citizens Union respectfully urges the Office of the Attorney General to grant preclearance for Preclearance Submission No. 701, a proposal to shift elections held for City office in New York City from odd years to even years, contingent upon a change to the New York State Constitution, which was adopted by the Charter Revision Commission to be voted on at a referendum held on November 4, 2025
Citizens Union Releases Report on Super PAC Failures Up and Down the Ballot in 2025 New York City Primaries
August 4, 2025 - Citizens Union today released a report revealing that despite record-breaking spending, Super PAC–backed candidates fell short in municipal primary elections up and down the ballot this June. Outside groups poured $46 million into efforts to influence election outcomes, but failed to elect their preferred candidates in a majority of competitive races, including the mayoral race and in key borough president and City Council contests.
Citizens Union on the Passing of Board Member, Michael Cardozo
July 24, 2025 – Citizens Union issued the following statement from Board Chair John Avlon on the passing of Board Member Michael Cardozo
Citizens Union Applauds Charter Revision Commission Approving an Even-Year Elections Ballot Question for this November
July 21, 2025 — Citizens Union issued the following statement from Executive Director Grace Rauh ahead of the final meeting of the 2025 Charter Revision Commission, which is expected to approve a ballot question to move New York City’s local elections to even-numbered years. This reform has long been championed by Citizens Union, which has provided the Commission with testimony, research, and comments addressing various aspects of election consolidation
Citizens Union Statement on Charter Revision Commission’s Decision to Exclude Open Primaries from 2025 Ballot Proposals
July 16, 2025 - Citizens Union issued the following statement from Board Chairman John Avlon in response to a statement from Richard R. Buery, Jr., Chair of the 2025 New York City Charter Revision Commission, on the Commission’s decision not to consider the question of open primaries
Statement from Citizens Union on Council Passage of Critical NYPD Oversight Legislation
July 15, 2025 – Citizens Union Executive Director Grace Rauh issued the following statement in response to the passage of Intro 1020-2024 by the New York City Council: