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Press Release
Common Cause/NY on Gov Hochul’s State of the State
"Common Cause/NY is pleased to see the state rededicating itself to the twin values of public service and civic life: both of which are core to reversing the serious attacks on democracy our country has suffered. But this is just a start. As we head into the 2024 election cycle, state lawmakers and the governor must take seriously the impending threats to our democracy. They must strengthen New York's election administration and protect voters in this year's budget."
Press Release
Common Cause/NY Announces 2024 Albany Legislative Priorities
"Common Cause/NY is a grassroots organization of more than 65,000 members fighting statewide to make New York's democracy work better for all. For years, we have worked alongside our allies in the New York State Legislature to enact pro-voter legislation including early voting, vote by mail, and automatic voter registration. This year is no different. We're confident the legislature will get right to work prioritizing laws that promote greater transparency, protect the integrity of our elections, expand voting rights, and modernize our dated...
Press Release
Common Cause/NY on Hochul’s Veto of Bad Campaign Finance Bill
"While some aspects of the bill that tweaked the state's public campaign financing system were acceptable, on balance, the bill did more harm than good. We've already seen candidates enroll in the new system across the state because they are eager to participate a democratic system that puts the interests of the people over big, wealthy donors. We commend Governor Hochul for vetoing this bill and know she'll continue to be a strong advocate for public financing of elections in next year's budget. We look forward to working with the Governor...
Press Release
Good Govt Groups Call For Transparent Redistricting Process as Commission Weighs New Congressional Map
"The lack of public trust in New York's redistricting process is pronounced and voters are weary of ever changing district lines and the attendant uncertainty it brings right before a consequential election cycle. We urge the Commission to make every attempt at collaboration, meaningful public input, openness and transparency before submitting any new congressional map plan to the Legislature."
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Let NY Vote Coalition on BOE Commissioner Kellner’s Departure
"Doug Kellner had a deep understanding of election administration. He championed accountability, election security and accuracy as well as the use of paper ballots throughout his tenure on the Board. We are incredibly appreciative of his nearly two decades in public service as Commissioner and Co-Chair of the New York State Board of Elections. We look forward to working with incoming Commissioner and former NYC Council member Henry Berger to prioritize transparency, equity and voter-friendly reforms ahead of this year's 2024 election cycle and...
Press Release
Common Cause/NY On Redistricting Decision: “New York’s Redistricting Process is Fundamentally Broken”
"New York's redistricting process is fundamentally broken, and today's court decision striking down the state's current congressional map does little to fix this process long-term. The only way to prevent future court battles from deciding our representatives is for the Legislature to adopt a permanent fix to redistricting that centers people over politicians. That means lawmakers must prioritize passing a constitutional amendment that creates a truly independent, citizen-led redistricting commission that puts the power in the hands of New...
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ICYMI: Buffalo News Editorializes In Favor of Common Cause/NY Lawsuit to Prevent ExpressVote XL Voting Machine
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Elected officials, Common Cause/NY Rally in Support of Santos Inspired Campaign Bill
"Voters expect – at the very least – the people running to represent them are who they say they are. That's why Senator Liu and Assembly Member Sillitti's newly revised bill is important: it raises the accountability bar for candidates and makes it harder for candidates who lack integrity– like Mr. Santos – to defraud New York voters. We're hopeful lawmakers will pass this bill swiftly come January so no future candidate bamboozles the public again," said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY.
Press Release
Common Cause/NY on Santos Expulsion: “Good!”
"Today's decision to expel Mr. Santos is a win for voters and democracy. Mr. Santos' deception and likely violation of federal law has been clear for a long time. Voters did not deserve a representative that lied and defrauded his way into Congress. The House Ethics Committee's diligent bi-partisan report made crystal clear that Mr. Santos is plainly unfit to serve in public office any longer. We commend the New York delegation's overwhelming bi-partisan vote in favor of expelling Mr. Santos, and all other Representatives who voted to protect...
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Common Cause/NY & The Black Institute Sue NYSBOE Over Certification of Flawed Voting Machine
"The certification of the ExpressVote XL – an expensive and below standard voting machine – was a major step backwards for New York, and an exceedingly poor decision ahead of the 2024 presidential election year when election security remains a fraught topic. Paper ballots marked by the voter -- which New York currently uses -- are the preferred election security standard. The court must overturn the Board of Elections' wrong decision to certify the machine before the 2024 election," said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY.
Press Release
Common Cause/NY Releases New Report on New York’s Unaffiliated Voters
On November 20th, Common Cause/NY released a report on the more than 3.1 million politically unaffiliated (also known as "Blank") voters in New York State – a group that is steadily growing as more Americans become disillusioned with the two party system. These voters, who represent 24% of New York's electorate, are politically active but locked out of New York's closed primary process because they are not registered to a political party. The report published today provides a deeper understanding of who New York's unaffiliated voter...
Press Release
Common Cause/NY Demands Congress Expel George Santos
"Today's fact finding bi-partisan report from the House Ethics Committee makes it crystal clear that Mr. Santos is unfit for public office. Recognizing the seriousness of the remedy of expulsion, Common Cause/NY has waited for the process to play out appropriately. Now we and the House of Representatives are left with only one option: Congress must expel Mr. Santos. It's been clear for a long time that the voters have been defrauded, and Mr. Santos' seat in Congress is tantamount to an ill gotten gain: he should not be allowed to profit from...