Common Cause/NY Statement on Charter Revision Commission Decision Not To Advance Open Primaries

NEW YORK, NY (07/16/2025) (readMedia)-- Today, Charter Revision Commission Chair Richard Buery confirmed that the Commission would not advance a ballot question asking New York City voters if they support open primaries on this year's ballot. In response, Common Cause New York Executive Director Susan Lerner issued the following statement commending the Commission's decision:

"For the past several weeks, Common Cause New York and other organizations have urged the Commission not to advance any election reform without the due diligence, community engagement, and public input essential to its success. The Commission made the wise decision not to rush a question onto the ballot and we thank them for their thoughtful deliberation. We look forward to working with our partners in and outside of government to develop future reforms that strengthen our democracy and serve all New Yorkers."

Background

Last week, Lerner and NAACP New York State Conference President L. Joy Williams authored an op-ed urging the Commission not to include a question on open primaries on this year's ballot, stating, "Action to expand ballot access is good... But when it comes to changing our elections, getting it right is far more important than doing it quickly."