Brennan Center Raises Concerns About Charter Revision Commission Proposal for New Election System

For Immediate Release
August 22, 2003

Contact Information:
Amanda Cooper, 212 998–6736

Brennan Center Raises Concerns About Charter Revision Commission Proposal for New Election System
Submits Statements Urging Caution in Eliminating Party Primaries

NEW YORK, NY Today the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law issued a statement reaffirming its analysis of the Charter Revision Commissions proposal to eliminate partisan elections in New York City. Our reasons for caution about the change include the likely damage to voter participation, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color, as well as the concern that such a system would enhance the power of money, fame, and incumbency in elections.

• Read the Centers July 24, 2003 statement on nonpartisan elections.
  
• Click here for Charter Commission Staff’s report of August 13, which attacks the Centers statement.
  
• For the Centers testimony submitted to the Commission at its August 19 public hearing on nonpartisan elections, click here.
  
• Read the Centers August 22, 2003 Supplemental Statement, in response to the Commission Staffs report.

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law develops and implements a nonpartisan agenda of scholarship, public education, and legal action that promotes equality and human dignity, while safeguarding fundamental freedoms.