Citizens Union John Avlon: Increased Interest in New York for Open Primary System

Citizens Union spokesperson and independent journalist now with CNN John Avlon testifies - via phone - before NYC Charter Revision Commission in favor of Top-Two open primary (nonpartisan election) for city elections. Citizens Union presented 50 recommendations to the commission that would encourage voter participation. Under the current primary system in NYC, 1.5 million voters are excluded from the decisive first round of voting.





"Yes, there is an uptake of independent voters in New York, but let's also discuss the election cycle. The "obvious reasons" for unions and other special interest groups to oppose this reform because their impact is greater in a closed partisan election. In addition to the dysfunction we have seen in Albany, the hyperpartisanship we see in Washington, there is increased interest in an open primary system."