Election Reform is on Your Ballot
New York City has been suffering from low turnout elections that shut out too many New Yorkers – and you have an opportunity to change that this November by voting for a ballot proposal to make our democracy more open, fair and responsive: moving our local elections to even-numbered years to align with federal races, where turnout is higher. Citizens Union is at the forefront of the fight to strengthen our democracy and bring more New Yorkers into the electoral process. See our latest:
- Citizens Union Applauds Charter Revision Commission for Pro-Democracy Ballot Question
- New York’s Primary and the Power of Better Elections – Grace Rauh, Vital City
- Announcement: Broad Candidate Support For Moving New York City’s Elections
- Voting Rights Act Implications of Moving New York City’s Elections to Even Years
- Report: How consolidating New York City’s local elections with presidential or gubernatorial elections will boost turnout, expand the electorate, and save money
How Big Money Lost the NYC Primary
Voters across the city reject record outside spending, support small-donor candidates
Our most recent analysis of campaign finance data reveals 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. In many of these races, voters instead backed candidates who relied on New York City’s public matching funds program to amplify grassroots, small-dollar donations. Read our report for all the highlights and numbers.
Citizens Union Names Grace Rauh as New Executive Director
The 5BORO Institute to Join Citizens Union as New Public Policy Program
Citizens Union and the Citizens Union Foundation Chairman John Avlon announced that Grace Rauh has been named the organization’s new Executive Director. Rauh, an award-winning journalist, is the founding Executive Director of the 5BORO Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit public policy think tank. A former NY1 political reporter and longtime civic advocate, she brings a unique blend of journalistic integrity and policy acumen to New York’s oldest good government organization. Rauh succeeds Betsy Gotbaum, former New York City Public Advocate, who served as Executive Director for seven years.
“I am honored to lead Citizens Union at this pivotal moment for our democracy – not only nationally, but here in New York,” said Grace Rauh, incoming Executive Director of Citizens Union. “Throughout my career as a journalist, I worked to hold public officials accountable and shine a light on government decision-making. I’m eager to carry that same commitment to transparency, ethics, and civic engagement into this new role. By bringing the 5BORO Institute to New York’s oldest good government group, we’re building a stronger, more powerful nonpartisan force for accountable and effective government.”
Crucial Period for New York Democracy
We’re not resting - even if our website is. Here’s what else is cooking at CU.
The Charter Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy is considering our proposals to establish a process to remove a mayor for misconduct and guaranteeing a minimum budget for the Conflicts of Interest Board.
We restarted our candidate evaluation process for the 2025 General Election. Seeking CU’s support for your candidacy? Fill out our questionnaire.
Join us for the 2025 Gotham Greats Celebration – honoring Eric Gertler, Rose Gill, Betsy Gotbaum, and Dawn L. Smalls