Take Action

Get Common Cause Updates

Get breaking news and updates from Common Cause.

Our Campaigns

Get involved in pro-democracy campaigns in New York.

Volunteer

Learn how you can do more to strengthen democracy.

Support Our Movement

Make a contribution to support Common Cause today.

Find Your State

News Clips

  • Filter by Issue

  • Filter by Campaign

Voting & Elections 01.14.2019

NY Legislature Approves Early Voting

Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause-New York, called the reforms "a fantastic first step" and "long overdue." "New York can and will be a shining example of democracy," she said.

Voting & Elections 01.14.2019

With New Voting Laws, Democrats Flex Newfound Power in New York

“We are finally beginning to see New York’s elections begin — just begin — to catch up with the rest of the country,” said Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, a good-government group.

Kill 'zombie' political campaign accounts, NYS legislators say

“Once an elected official has betrayed the public’s trust, he should be stripped of his power — campaign cash is no exception,” said Common Cause/NY Executive Director Susan Lerner. “In Albany, money equals power, and if someone is behind bars on corruption charges, he shouldn’t be allowed to hold onto donations meant for campaigning. Simple as that."

Voting & Elections 12.19.2018

Why Deep Blue New York Is ‘Voter Suppression Land’

“Nothing is 100 percent guaranteed in Albany,” said Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, a government reform group. But she added: “I think it would be very very difficult for people who were elected on the promise that they were going to heed the voice of the voter, to then turn around and just have it be old-fashioned Albany business as usual.”

New York Good Government Groups Hail Decision to Tie Legislative Pay Raises to Reforms

Even while some suggest its unconstitutional, government reform groups praised a commission’s decision to raise state lawmakers salaries for the first time in 20 years while also imposing restrictions on outside income and legislative stipends. "The Commission has done an excellent job of balancing the public interest against the very real need to raise lawmakers' pay,” said Common Cause/NY Executive Director Susan Lerner.

Voting & Elections 12.6.2018

After the Long-Hanging Fruit, Will Albany Look at Term Limits, Instant Runoffs?

Sen. Liz Krueger and Common Cause New York executive director Susan Lerner joined Jarrett Murphy of City Limits and Ben Max of Gotham Gazette on Monday for a special video edition of Max & Murphy on Manhattan Neighborhood Network to size up the political reform agenda in Albany in 2019.

Join the movement over 1 million strong for democracy

Join us: Americans deserve open, honest, accountable government.