In 2003, Citizens Union did not support Non Partisan Municipal Elections (NPME). In 2010 they reversed there opinion as part of 50 recommendations to the NYC Charter Revision Commission.
"Citizens Union is recommending that its election system be changed and opened up to all registered voters. It is proposing that New York adopt a Top-Two election system, like that recently approved by referendum in California, which will permit all party registrants and unaffiliated voters to vote in the first round for candidates of any party or none at all. The top two candidates would advance to the general election in November to determine the victor. This will allow for a greater number of New Yorkers to vote in the most determinative election and create greater competition and choice for the November general election. It will provide that the voice of the 1.5 million voters, who are now effectively shut out from choosing many of the city's elected officials because they are not affiliated with the Democratic party that effectively determines the vast majority of the city's elected officials in a closed partisan primary, is heard.
'Non partisan elections exist in the vast majority of municipalities throughout the nation,' said John Avlon, Citizens Union's Charter Task Force Chair. 'Top-Two will allow for the retention of party affiliation at the discretion of candidates while opening up the process to all voters. Increasing voter eligibility is essential in a city that is effectively electing officials in closed partisan primaries where the proportion of registered voters is as low as 5 percent. This is a serious concern to Citizens Union, and should trouble anyone concerned about the vitality of our local democracy. Our remedy is this reform - we can increase voter participation and politicians� accountability by opening up New York City's election process.'
Citizens Union recognizes that other reforms which it has long supported may also enhance voter participation but Top-Two is the best available charter revision option to maximize voter participation given the legal ambiguity and operational complexity surrounding other reforms that would ideally be addressed by state government.
Citizens Union also supports reforms that will improve integrity and bolster the public's faith in city government. Citizens Union is backing the continuation of term limits for council members of three four-year terms, and for citywide officials, two four-year terms. We also want to see the charter changed to require that any city council charter amendment that would alter or appeal a voter-initiated referendum be returned to the voters for approval or disapproval."
Use the above link to read their press release.
Update
NEXT COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
Monday, July 19
Place: Brooklyn College, Gershwin Theater, 2900 Bedford Ave
BROOKLYN
Time: 6 p.m.
Directions: By train, take the Q Local to Avenue H and walk 4 blocks east to Ocean Avenue, or take the 2 or 5 train to Flatbush Avenue/Nostrand Avenue. By bus, take the B6 or B11 to Bedford Avenue, the B8, B44, or Q35/Green Bus Line to Flatbush Avenue, the B41 to Nostrand Avenue, or the B49 to Avenue H.
NOTE: Citizens Union will be presenting their recommendations to the Commission at this hearing. The hearing will be streamed live via webcast through their website at: NYC Charter Revision Commission Website
Michael H. Drucker
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