Post Type: FACT SHEETS
As we confront the challenges of climate change, affordable housing, and the racial wealth gap, we need an engaged, empowered public that trusts the power of democracy to improve our lives. A vibrant democracy requires participation. Yet for too long, many New Yorkers, especially communities of color, young people, immigrants, and individuals who have had an interaction with the criminal justice system, have been disengaged, disenfranchised, or shut out from local and national democratic processes.
It is easy to understand why. Nationally, our civic institutions have eroded, and voter suppression continues to be a troubling reality. Despite recent reforms, New York State’s election system has made it far too difficult to cast a ballot. On Election Day in New York City, as many as four in five registered voters stay away from the polls.
Increasingly, we hear from immigrants that their documentation status has made them afraid to participate in civic life. New Yorkers want to
volunteer in their communities or join a broader effort to bring change, but don’t know how to get involved. Entire communities are disconnected from the political process because of past criminal justice policies, institutionalized racism, and the widespread sentiment that City leaders aren’t listening.
We need to ensure the voice of every New Yorker is heard, participating in the democratic process becomes easier, and people learn to trust their civic institutions again. OneNYC 2050 outlines strategies to expand voting rights, ensure residents are better informed about democracy, and create opportunities for residents to directly impact their communities. We will better enable immigrants to take part in civic life, and work to ensure all New Yorkers are afforded transformative justice, basic human rights, and racial and gender equity. New York City can help shape the future of democracy in and beyond our borders. Our city — and our world — deserves nothing less.
November 1st, 2021 at 4:58 pm
A functional democracy is key to shared prosperity for all New Yorkers.
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