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.

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

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...

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.

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 👇

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...

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...

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.

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...

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:

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.

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...

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.

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...

🗳️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...

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

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-...

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...

🚨 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. 🧵

🚨 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. 🧵👇

“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-...

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...

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...

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...

“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...

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...

@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.

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.

We agree with Ross Barkan: more voters = a stronger democracy. Let’s approve even-year elections when we go to the polls this November.

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...

When the @council.nyc.gov tried to rush through the most significant set of rule changes in more than a decade, we sounded the alarm. Our outcry (and public testimony) worked. The initial vote was delayed and additional updates made in response to our feedback.

NEW report: Explores if shifting NYC elections to even years will overwhelm voters & boost drop-off. But data shows down-ballot turnout is higher when local races share the ballot with federal ones—like 2024, when ballot props got 2× more votes than the mayor’s race

NYC politics is heating up this week: 🗳Adams drops out 🗣Speaker hopefuls $$$ splash 🤯Ballot measure could reshape elections 🚔Power struggles from NYPD to community boards Don’t miss it 👀 — check out this week’s Weekly Watchdog here mailchi.mp/citizensunio...

@TimeOutNewYork & @AnnaRahmanan spotlighting what’s on NYC’s ballot this election. Citizens Union is proud to support all six proposals: it’s a clear YES on 1–6 from us! www.timeout.com/newyork/news...

Our September edition of the Reformer is here! Read all the latest updates — from Gotham Greats, to our stances on ballot proposals, to our advocacy efforts for reform: mailchi.mp/citizensunio...

More voters mean more voices! NYC’s ballot measure to consolidate our elections is essential for strengthening local democracy. And as Ross Barkan writes in @crainsnewyork.bsky.social, local races will still get lots of attention. Read more here: www.crainsnewyork.com/politics/pol...

✅Nationwide bipartisan momentum. ✅Increase voter turnout. ✅Save money. ✅Greater representation. Consolidating off-year local elections is a win-win-win for voters, for communities, and for democracy. Listen to NPR's story on New York’s opportunity: www.npr.org/2025/09/24/n...

Our Policy Director testified today at the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government annual hearing on strengthening NY ethics laws. We urged commissioners to back limits on lobbyist donations & fundraising — and other reforms — to protect integrity in government.

NEW: The City Council delayed today’s planned vote on its rushed rules overhaul after Citizens Union sounded the alarm and urged patience. @sahalied.bsky.social @cityandstateny.bsky.social www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...

Our Executive Director, Grace Rauh, joined Annika Pergament on @spectrumnewsny1.bsky.social to discuss the six ballot proposals NYC voters will see this Nov, from fixing the housing process to moving city elections to even years. Watch here & get ready to #FlipYourBallot 🗳️ ny1.com/nyc/all-boro...

LIVE ON NY1 TODAY Citizens Union Executive Director Grace Rauh joins @spectrumnewsny1.bsky.social Rush Hour to break down what’s really on your ballot this November — and why we’re urging YES on all six proposals, especially moving city elections to even years. 🗳

We support all ballot proposals, including 2-5, a step toward more transparent housing policy to unlock the new housing we badly need. Public funds should not be used to campaign against these measures (or for them, either!) @thecity.nyc @gregdavidonnyc.bsky.social www.thecity.nyc/2025/09/24/h...

Ballot measures, Benzes, and bribery in this week's Watchdog: 🗳️ Citizens Union says vote YES on all 6 ballot q’s 🚫 Council bends rules to oppose housing measures 💸 Megadonors backing Adams ⚖️ Tisch files misconduct charges against cops involved in fatal shooting…

“Public resources should not be used for communications that steer voters in a particular direction” Voters deserve clear, fair information — not blurred lines. Check out @nickgarber.bsky.social reporting in @crainsnewyork.bsky.social www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-pol...

Rumors are swirling around Mayor Eric Adams — will he resign? Catch our Executive Director Grace Rauh & Jamie Rubin on @vitalcitynyc.bsky.social podcast as they unpack the speculation, the stakes, and what this moment means for NYC’s democracy. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...

📢 Big News! We’re calling on all New Yorkers: flip your ballot this November and VOTE YES on all 6 ballot questions! These reforms will boost voter turnout, strengthen democracy, and tackle NYC’s housing crisis.

Ballot battles and bundling scandals — this Weekly Watchdog is packed: 🗳️ Big win: Housing measures stay on the ballot 🚫 Walden stays, too 📉NYPD watchdog nearly gone 🧾 Unregistered PACs (and billionaires who deny involvement) 💸 Secret bundlers behind Adams’ campaign

This week, Citizens Union sprang into action to defend our right to vote on housing reforms. We made it clear to the public, the press, and the Board of Elections: blocking these questions would have been unlawful — and a dangerous attack on democracy.

Even year municipal elections elevate local issues and drive stronger turnout. Policy Director Ben Weinberg made the case for even years in NYC in a @boltsmag.org deep-dive. Read more: boltsmag.org/new-york-cit...

Victory! NYers will be able to vote on key housing reform measures this fall. Today, we mobilized to ensure the questions made it on the ballot. We made our case directly to the Board of Elections, arguing that blocking ballot questions would be unlawful and set a dangerous precedent.