Looking back: 1936

Citizens Union helps secure proportional representation for City Council elections

September 24, 2025

Even-Year Elections Drive Dramatically Higher Turnout

Looking back: 1983

CU files amicus brief against the undemocratic Board of Estimate

September 16, 2025

Citizens Union Announces Support for All 2025 Ballot...

Looking back: 2010

Seminal report on needed NYC Charter revisions to increase public participation

October 9, 2025

Citizens Union Statement on Approved Revisions to the Rules...

Looking back: 1987

CU helps defeat weak ethics bill and backs a stronger Conflict of Interest Board.

April 9, 2025

Citizens Union Releases Report Proposing Mechanism for...

Looking back: 2007

CU wins pay-to-play reform in NYC’s campaign finance system.

September 25, 2025

Testimony: Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government,...

Citizens Union fights for reform in New York. We work to ensure honest and accountable government, fair and open elections, and a civically engaged public.

Loretta Lynch: The Price of Freedom is Constant Vigilance

Governor Kathy Hochul: For Open Government and Accountability

AG Letitia James: The Moment to Defend Democracy

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg: Follow the Facts Without Fear

CU Candidate Interviews: Brad Lander

CU Candidate Interviews: Andrew Cuomo

From City Hall to the ballot box: how we’ve shaped the rules that shape New York.

Illustration of a hand pointing

1897

Citizens Union is founded as a nonpartisan political party to defeat the Tammany Hall machine

1901

Seth Low, Citizens Union's mayoral candidate, is elected Mayor of the City of New York

1908

Citizens Union shifts from political party to nonpartisan good government group to avoid patronage

1910

First Voters Directory published to guide New Yorkers on candidates for elected office

1914

Citizens Union wins reforms requiring voter signature to protect election integrity

1915

Slate voting reversed; Citizens Union enables voters to choose candidates across parties

1923

Home rule for NYC achieved, giving local power thanks to Citizens Union’s advocacy

1924

Citizens Union leads successful fight against subway development through Central Park

1933

Fiorello LaGuardia, endorsed by CU, is elected Mayor to reform and fight Tammany control

1936

Citizens Union helps secure proportional representation for City Council elections

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