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@citizensunionny.bsky.social
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Democracy is our business. citizensunion.org/subscribe

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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Looking forward to tonight’s CUF’s George S. Kaufman Forum — What’s Next? A Post-Primary Analysis! Hear from Morris Katz, Susan Del Percio, Christina Greer, and moderator Grace Rauh on what NY primary results mean and what comes next. Watch live here at 6:30pm ET: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0csw...
youtube.com
George S. Kaufman Forum | What’s Next? A Post-Primary Analysis
YouTube video by Citizens Union
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
The indictment of former Adams Chief of Staff Frank Carone raises serious concerns about NYC’s emergency contracting system, revolving-door rules, and conflicts of interest. City leaders must act on stronger ethics and anti-corruption reforms. Read more: citizensunion.org/document/202...
citizensunion.org
Statement on the Indictment of Former Adams’ Chief of Staff Frank Carone | Citizens Union
Democracy Is Our Business
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Congrats to Comptroller Tom DiNapoli on his victory in the Democratic primary for State Comptroller! Citizens Union supported DiNapoli for his record of careful stewardship, ethical integrity, government transparency, and independence in managing one of the most important oversight offices in NY.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
NYC is competing for talent with a hiring system built for another era. Searchlight’s latest, penned by Caitlin Lewis, argues the Charter Commission can help bring public hiring into the present, while preserving merit, fairness, and accountability. searchlight.citizensunion.org/nyc-has-the-...
searchlight.citizensunion.org
NYC Has the Power to Fix Its Hiring Process — The Charter Commission Should Use It
NYC hiring is tangled beyond reason — COGE must clear the path.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Today is Primary Election Day! Polls are open from 6 AM to 9 PM. Make your plan, check your poll site, and cast your ballot. Review Citizens Union’s preferred candidates before heading to the polls: citizensunion.org/voters-guide... Happy voting!
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Today, CU’s Ben Weinberg testified before the City Council on AI-generated campaign content and public servants’ use of prediction markets, offering comments on strengthening existing legal & ethics frameworks as technology changes to protect public trust. citizensunion.org/wp-content/u...
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
In a new Searchlight op-ed, @errollouis.bsky.social argues that @nycibo.bsky.social's proposals to save the city money and raise revenue deserve more attention. searchlight.citizensunion.org/charter-refo...
searchlight.citizensunion.org
Charter Reform Should Bring IBO’s Evidence‑Based Options Into the Policy Mainstream
The charter reform commission doesn’t have to look far for efficiency reforms.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
“Our tax dollars, including the billions undocumented people pay every year, should go toward healthcare, housing, schools, childcare, and transit instead of detention camps, surveillance machines like Palantir, and mass deportation.” - @bkbpreynoso.bsky.social in Searchlight on immigration policy.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The State Comptroller oversees New York’s money. In our new op-ed policy journal, Searchlight, three candidates for the top fiscal job discuss how they would use the office to help New Yorkers:
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
In NY-10, Congressman @repdangoldman.bsky.social and former Comptroller @bradlander.bsky.social talk about updating tax codes so billionaires pay more, and getting dark money out of our elections.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
We launched a new policy platform at Citizens Union Foundation. Welcome to Searchlight! Our editor, @robgeorge.bsky.social, kicked things off by candidates for Congress and State Comptroller to share one big policy idea.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
There’s a lot of competition in NY-12: @alexbores.nyc, @gtconway.bsky.social,  @micahlasher.bsky.social  & Jack Schlossberg are fighting for Rep. Jerry Nadler’s seat. Read their ideas: ✔️Regulating AI ✔️Supporting people in mental health crises ✔️Protecting free & fair elections ✔️SuperPACs are a threat
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Introducing Searchlight: our new platform for bold policy ideas, serious debate & practical solutions to New York’s biggest challenges. To launch, we asked the candidates in NY’s congressional & statewide primary races to write about one big policy idea they want to pursue.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Citizens Union interviewed 36 candidates running for New York State Senate, Assembly, and Comptroller. We're recommending 16 of them for June’s primary election. Our endorsements prioritize candidates committed to ethics, transparency, accountability, & effective government. 🧵
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Watchdog agencies can’t fight corruption without staff & resources to do their jobs. That’s why Citizens Union,  @reinventalbany.bsky.social  Common Cause NY, @nypirg.bsky.social  +  @lwvnyc.bsky.social are calling for more funding for the Department of Investigation & Conflicts of Interest Board.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
🗳 Citizens Union prefers @tomdinapoli.bsky.social for NY State Comptroller, citing his record of ethical leadership, independent oversight, fiscal stewardship, and government transparency. The office demands serious, accountable management — and Citizens Union says DiNapoli has delivered.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
🚨 Citizens Union is proud to announce our preferred candidates in key 2026 State Senate and Assembly races. These New Yorkers stood out for their support of ethics, transparency, and accountable government. Here’s who we’re backing 🧵👇
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
NYers deserve a REAL say in who becomes a party’s nominee for President. Today we stood with @jamesskoufis.bsky.social, @landondais4ny.bsky.social, Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda @justinsanchez17.bsky.social & @commoncauseny.bsky.social to support moving NY’s presidential primary to #SuperTuesday. 🗳️
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
The Mayor’s communications must follow the law. Our Executive Director Grace Rauh told Politico's @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social: “City leaders must be deliberate about how they communicate...The rules exist to protect the public.” Read more 👇 www.politico.com/news/2026/03...
politico.com
Mamdani has used Signal for government business as mayor
Government watchdogs say it’s a slippery slope for the mayor to continue using the controversial encrypted messaging app.
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Reposted by Citizens Union
Reinvent Albany @reinventalbany.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
NY’s courts are overwhelmed. We joined @citizensunionny.bsky.social Common Cause NY and Scrutinize to support the Uncap Justice Act and Timely Justice Act to modernize judicial staffing with transparency, data, and accountability. Time to fix the system. ⚖️ buff.ly/qaphcAo
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Voters need certainty—and fast. Our Executive Director Grace Rauh warns that delayed decisions and a split primary could lead to lower turnout and unnecessary confusion. With petitioning starting in late February, speed is of the essence.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
The Trump admin's unilateral pause on offshore wind is bad governance and bad policy. Read the response from Grace Rauh and @johnavlon.bsky.social
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
This is exactly why Citizens Union raised concerns about pass-through PACs like Put NYC First in our post-election report. These structures may be legal, but they weaken transparency and accountability in NYC elections. It’s time to close the loopholes. www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...
crainsnewyork.com
Cuomo campaign probed over interactions with business-funded PAC
A complaint by Zohran Mamdani’s campaign, prompted by Crain’s reporting, alleged that Cuomo shared strategies with the leaders of Put NYC First.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Big news: Grace Rauh, our Exec Dir tapped to serve on Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social 's Transition Committee on Youth and Education. Child care is economic infrastructure & we’re proud to help shape this pivotal moment to strengthen NYC’s childcare system for working families.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Restoring trust in NYC gov starts with real ethics & accountability reform. We're encouraged the NYC Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy is advancing measures including a long-overdue process to remove a mayor for misconduct & guaranteed funding for oversight agencies. Full statement 👇
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
The Watchdog never sleeps. After the election, NYC politics is still barking with news: 💸 Super PAC loopholes exposed 🚔 NYPD oversight shake-up 🗳️ Agencies flunk voter registration law 🏛️ Mamdani names top staff 📊 Who showed up at the polls mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
The 2025 election cycle may be over — but NYC politics is just getting started. 👔 Who joins Mayor-elect Mamdani’s team? 🚔 Will Tisch stay NYPD Commissioner? 🏛️ Council Speaker race heats up 📊 Even-year elections fall short (for now) Catch it all in this week’s Watchdog: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Congratulations to Kayla Santosuosso on her election to represent Brooklyn’s Council District 47! We’re proud to have endorsed her and look forward to working together to advance transparency, accountability, and reform in NYC.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
A historic moment for NYC democracy: voter turnout reached its highest level in 50+ years! We applaud the voters & poll workers who made it happen. Strong participation is progress & together we will keep building a democracy that works for everyone gothamist.com/news/voter-t...
gothamist.com
Voter turnout on pace to reach historic high for NYC mayor’s race
With hours to go before polls close, it is possible that turnout could reach levels not seen since the 1960s.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
We’re deeply disappointed that Ballot Proposal 6 did not pass. This reform would have moved NYC’s local elections to presidential years—when turnout is highest—giving millions more New Yorkers a voice in choosing who governs our city. Full statement:
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
It’s #ElectionDay! 🗳️ Our Executive Director @gracerauh joins @PIX11News tonight from 8–11:30 PM with @DanMannarino for in-depth election coverage — breaking down key races, early results, and what they mean for New York’s political landscape.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
On PIX11 Politics Daily, our Exec Director busts a major myth about #BallotQuestion6: More voters = more visibility for local issues. When elections align with national contests, turnout soars — and NYC’s local races finally get the attention they deserve. 🗳️ pix11.com/news/politic...
pix11.com
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Each fall, we honor the New Yorkers whose leadership makes our city stronger: the Gotham Greats. This year, we were proud to celebrate 4 great New Yorkers: Eric Gertler, Rose Gill, Betsy Gotbaum, and Dawn L. Smalls. And we gave journalist Michael Daly our Searchlight award.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Our Exec Director, Grace Rauh, joined the #JuanManuelBenítezWantstoKnow podcast with @juanmabenitez.bsky.social to discuss how a YES vote on Ballot Proposal 6 would increase voter turnout, provide greater representation, & strengthen democracy. 🎧 Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/4o8A...
open.spotify.com
Listen to Grace Rauh before You Vote in New York City
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
🗳️Our Ben Weinberg joined @ny1 to talk about the benefits of moving local elections to even-numbered years. “We will draw a much younger electorate and an electorate that is much more representative of the community as a whole.” ny1.com/nyc/all-boro...
ny1.com
The ballot proposals to add ski trails and move local elections to even years
Questions one and six on the ballot have received little attention.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Early voting is on! 🗳️ What is NYC Ballot Question 6 & how could it change local elections? Join our webinar: Understanding Ballot Q6 Thu, Oct 30 · 6:00 PM ET 🔗 Register: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi... #NYC #NYCVotes #BallotQuestion6 #CivicEngagement
us02web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Citizens Union Webinar: Understanding NYC Ballot Question 6 - Moving Local Elections to Presidential Election Years. After registering, you will receive a c...
This November, New York City voters will vote on whether to move City elections to coincide with a presidential election year. What does that mean, and how would the change look? What impact would it ...
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
When fewer than 1 in 4 New Yorkers votes for mayor, we have a major problem. It’s an alarm for our democracy. This election, we can do something about it. Read more from @gothamist.com: gothamist.com/news/on-nyc-...
gothamist.com
On NYC voters' ballots: Even-year local elections?
The proposal asks whether to align city election and presidential election years to boost turnout.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Democracy works best when everyone has a voice. 🗳️Our ED, Grace Rauh, joined Inside City Hall @spectrumnewsny1.bsky.social to discuss making it easier for more New Yorkers to participate and why higher turnout leads to a government that better reflects our city ny1.com/nyc/all-boro...
ny1.com
Should NYC elections move to even-numbered years?
Grace Rauh joined "Inside City Hall."
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
🚨 NEW: Citizens Union has released “How to Restore Public Trust and Clean City Hall,” a reform blueprint for the next NYC mayor. The plan lays out clear, actionable steps to root out corruption, rebuild public trust, and restore ethics in city government. 🧵
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
🚨 Citizens Union announces endorsements in three City Council races! After a rigorous review, we’re proud to back candidates who demonstrate a commitment to reform, ethics, and public service. 🧵👇
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
“Today is an important step for democracy, but it’s just the first step.” We joined @CapitalTonight to discuss the Court of Appeals’ unanimous decision upholding NY’s even-year election law — a major win for voter participation & fairer local elections spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-...
spectrumlocalnews.com
New York's highest court upholds constitutionality of even-year election law
Advocates for the law argued the change will boost voter turnout in local elections.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Our 5BOROInstitute NYC Child Care Summit brought together leaders from business, government and advocacy to tackle this crisis. Hear from Grace Rauh on @spectrumnewsny1.bsky.social on what's at stake and why business leaders are ready to engage ⬇️
ny1.com/nyc/all-boro...
ny1.com
5BORO Institute summit looks to tackle child care shortage
Watch the full interview here.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Racist chats exposed. 💬 Public funds misused. 💸 A key election ruling upheld. ⚖️ It’s all in this week’s Weekly Watchdog! Stay sharp and read the full roundup: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
NEW: Court of Appeals unanimously upholds law moving county and town elections across the state to even years! This will boost turnout and strengthen local democracy. Next up: NYC. Vote YES on Proposal 6 this November to extend these reforms to the 5 boros! www.timesunion.com/state/articl...
timesunion.com
New York's top court upholds law moving most local elections to even years
The Court of Appeals' ruling will not affect local elections set for this year.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
“When fewer than 1 in 4 New Yorkers turn out to vote for the Mayor of our city, we have a major problem” - Grace Rauh on @thebrianlehrershow.bsky.social That’s why we’re urging a YES vote on Question 6 to move city elections to even years and improve turnout. www.wnyc.org/story/30-iss...
wnyc.org
30 Issues in 30 Days: Moving Local NYC Elections to Presidential Election Years | The Brian Lehrer Show | WNYC
More on the proposal that NYC voters will see on this year's ballot that would move local elections to take place on presidential election years.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
Voter turnout in NYC’s local elections has plunged—just 23% in the last mayoral race vs. 61% in presidential years. This November, we can fix that. Grace Rauh in @nydailynews.com : Vote YES on Proposal 6 to strengthen local democracy. 🗳️ www.nydailynews.com/2025/10/12/b...
nydailynews.com
Better voting, better options: New York’s chance to revive local democracy
In the 2021 New York City mayoral general election, voter participation dropped to a historic low. Only about 23% of registered voters turned out to vote. In raw numbers, that meant that just more …
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Reposted by Citizens Union
Brennan Center @brennancenter.org · 07/10/2025
@citizensunionny.bsky.social new report shows that moving local NYC elections to presidential election years would greatly improve voter turnout and representation, including in down-ballot races. This Nov., NYers can vote to jump-start this move.
citizensunion.org
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Reposted by Citizens Union
abundanceny.bsky.social @abundanceny.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
This November, we have the opportunity to enfranchise more voters by approving Question 6 to move municipal elections to even years. As @citizensunionny.bsky.social makes it clear: even year voting means more voices are heard—and an electorate that better reflects our communities.
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Reposted by Citizens Union
abundanceny.bsky.social @abundanceny.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
We agree with Ross Barkan: more voters = a stronger democracy. Let’s approve even-year elections when we go to the polls this November.
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Citizens Union @citizensunionny.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Good-government news never rests — and neither do we! This week’s Weekly Watchdog covers: ✅ Even-year elections = more voters 🏛️ Council transparency 👶 5BORO’s Child Care Summit (Oct 16) 🤖 AI disinfo in local races 🌍 Ethics & travel rules mailchi.mp/citizensunio...
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