Issue: voting rights

Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform (Sept. Update)

Posted on by Penny

We’re SO Close!

But our work is not done! The sub-committee has completed its work on the proposed 2019 Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform law. It has been to the lawyers and now will go to the legislators. A Public Hearing will be scheduled, the legislators will vote and, assuming it passes, it will go to the County Executive.

There is no guarantee that he will sign. We have to keep the pressure on!

The Need

Ulster People would like to see a closed system, in which all campaigns are publicly financed and all candidates bound by the same spending limits. That’s not happening now, but passing this law is certainly a step in the right direction.  

New candidates, whose limited resources kept them from running in the past, will take advantage of public matching funds to run competitive campaigns.  The undue influence of large contributors and the corruption they invite will be curtailed. Our democratic processes will be supported.   

The Numbers

Local candidates, having qualified for public funds by raising $500 in individual small donations, will have their contributions matched at a 5:1 ratio up to a maximum of $2500.  Candidates receive their share of public funds as soon as they qualify.  

If legislators push back and insist on a 3:1 ratio in the final bill, it actually makes very little difference. Candidates would receive only $1500 when they have raised the initial qualifying $500, leaving $1000 still available. To receive that final $1000, they would have to raise another $333 in small donations ($999). The maximum amount available to each candidate remains unchanged. It just takes a little more effort to get there.

For County-wide candidates, the ratio (5:1 or 3:1) makes no difference at all.  They must first raise $15,000 in small donations to qualify. Either a 3:1 or a 5:1 matching ratio gets them well over $23,000, which is the maximum amount they can receive in public funds.  

Contribution limits (individuals, partnerships, political committees, labor organizations) are set at $3500 per election cycle for county-wide races and at $650 for local races (and considerably less for those doing business with the county). 

The Public Hearing 

has yet to be scheduled. The date and time will be posted here as soon as it’s on the Legislative Calendar and we will suggest possible talking points at that time.

This may be the most important issue the legislature has taken up this session. It’s been years of promises and finally there’s an end in sight!  Whether or not you decide to speak, your presence is evidence of support and the legislators care.

Please watch for the hearing date and consider showing up!

The Prize!

Passage of this local law in the Legislature–and the County Exec’s signature– means that Ulster County could  have real comprehensive campaign finance reform for local and county-wide races before the end of the year. 

In the meantime, please put pressure on our County Executive and Legislators every chance you get.  Send an email. Make a phone call. If you are in a meeting with Pat Ryan or any of our legislators, ask about their position on Campaign Finance Reform.  Make sure to let them know how important it is to you–– to all of us. Give a speech. Tell them it’s time–– past time–– for Ulster County to have real Campaign Finance Reform.  Finally! No more delays!    

Let’s make sure that happens! 

Read our past coverage on campaign finance reform in Ulster County:

Update on Campaign Finance Reform (post 7/8 meeting)

Posted on by Penny

This legislation appears to be moving forward! 

The Need

The document clearly states the need for reform, citing the undue influence of large contributions on our democratic processes, and “the specter of quid pro quo corruption, even more so when the contributor is involved in government contracts.” 

The Issues Considered

The list of issues still to be resolved before this legislation moves to a vote of the full legislature continues to shrink.   The lawyers have weighed in where necessary, and tentative agreement has been reached by the subcommittee on the vast majority of specifics, including:

  • Candidate pathways to qualification for public financing;
  • The amount of public funds to be made available to candidates and the ratio at which they will be distributed;
  • Campaign contribution limits; and
  • The amount to be appropriated to and maintained in the campaign finance fund.

Among the remaining unresolved issues is a question about responsibility for oversight, but as options have been clarified and evaluated, the subcommittee is moving closer to a resolution. 

What Comes Next

The legislative subcommittee members (Jonathan Heppner, Hector Rodriguez and Ken Ronk) are preparing a pre-draft document for Tracey Bartels, Chair of the Legislature. Tracey will attend the next meeting (date yet to be determined) prepared to share any questions, issues or comments she might have. 

Barring (unanticipated) major revisions, the document will then be filed with the clerk and copies made available to all the legislators.  The caucuses will discuss, amendments (if any) will be considered, a public hearing scheduled and— a vote taken!

What You Can Do

Following the next meeting of the subcommittee, I will post another update. By that time, we should know with more certainty what the proposed legislation will look like.

If it is diluted beyond the point where it seems likely to accomplish what we are hoping for, real Comprehensive Finance Reform that effectively limits the intrusion of big money into our local and county-wide elections and makes it possible for those with limited resources to wage competitive campaigns, we will have a chance to lobby our legislators and make our preferences known.

The official public hearing (date to be determined) will be scheduled, at which you will all be allowed to speak.

In the meantime, you can attend either the July 16th or the August 20 regular legislative session (7PM in the Legislative Chambers on the 6th floor of the County Office Building, 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY) and add your voice to their deliberations. (If you want to speak, you should plan to show up a little before 7 to sign up.)

The Prize!

The legislature’s passage of this local law (and the signature of the County Executive) means that Ulster County could  have real comprehensive campaign finance reform for local and state-wide races before the end of the year. 

Let’s make sure that happens!  

Legislative Update: Campaign Finance Reform in Ulster County – Part 2

Posted on by Penny

This is the second installment of our series on Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform in Ulster County. Read Part 1 here.

Ulster People Unanimously Passes a Resolution Urging our County Legislature to Enact Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform

Ulster People Talk Campaign Finance Reform

Campaign Finance Reform led the agenda at Ulster People’s general meeting in May.  Joan Mandle, a 20-year veteran of the struggle, updated us on the dysfunction in Albany. County Legislator Kathy Nolan discussed the comprehensive campaign finance bill she has proposed for Ulster County.  I reported on the progress made by the Legislature’s subcommittee charged with crafting legislation that will (hopefully) give Ulster County our first publicly financed elections.

Ulster People’s Resolution in Support of Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform

After the presentations, Ulster People voted unanimously to endorse the following resolution: 

Ulster People for Justice and Democracy supports the efforts of the County Legislature to pass a Comprehensive Campaign Finance Law.  The two proposals currently before the Legislature (Proposed Local Law 16 of 2018 and  Proposed Local Law No. 21 of 2018) represent a start, but they differ in important ways from each other and from what we would like to see in the final law.

Ulster People would like the final legislation to include:

  • $2500 in public funds to be distributed in total when a candidate has raised $500 in donations of $5 or more including at least 50 individual donations;
  • A 5:1 matching fund ratio;
  • A cap on individual contributions of $250.

This resolution has been forwarded to the members of the Comprehensive Campaign Finance Reform Subcommittee.

Work in Progress

This resolution will not be our last word on the subject of Campaign Finance Reform. 

First, it concedes that our goal of a closed system, in which all campaigns are publicly financed and all candidates bound by the same spending limits, just isn’t realistic at this moment.  It is, however, an important step in the right direction.  

Second, it pertains only to those aspects of the proposed legislation that the subcommittee has already taken up– specifically local campaigns.  Statewide campaigns have yet to be addressed.    

How we got there:

The Cap on Matching Funds

The subcommittee has (tentatively) agreed to a $2500 cap on matching funds for local candidates.  That is based on the total amount the subcommittee members believe the County might be willing to budget and the assumption that $3000 (the $500 raised to qualify plus $2500 in public funds) is a reasonable amount to finance a competitive local campaign. 

Ulster People is okay with $2500–as a starting point, though we would like to see a higher number.    

Qualifying for Matching Funds

The subcommittee (tentatively) agrees that, to qualify for public matching funds, candidates must raise $500 in small donations (between $10 and $100), including at least 50 individual donations. 

Ulster People agrees that 50 individual small donations to a campaign demonstrates a reasonable level of community support and helps weed out frivolous or non-competitive candidates.  But we strongly encourage the subcommittee to adjust their definition of a “small donation” and consider allowing $5 donations to also be counted towards the $500 qualification.  It obviously would take more effort to raise $500 in $5 increments,  but supporters who think their $5 won’t make a difference might think differently when told that when matched 5:1, $5 becomes a more substantial sounding $30.  If the goal is more citizens feeling invested in a candidate and a campaign, why not make the minimum $5?  

The Matching Fund Ratio

After the second subcommittee meeting, Ed and I had an Aha! moment I think worth sharing.  We (Ulster People) had been advocating matching fund ratios of 5:1 or 6:1,thinking candidates would get more public money.  Not so.  

The same qualifying threshold ($500) must be reached, including the same 50 individual contributions, but the maximum any candidate will receive in public funds remains the same. All a higher ratio changes is how long it takes to get there.

The subcommittee has (tentatively) agreed to a 3:1 ratio.  50 donations of $10 each gets a candidate to the qualifying threshold of $500.  When matched at 3:1, $500 becomes $2000, only $1500 of which is public money.  There’s still $1000 left in matching funds and any number of ways to get there (100 $10 donations; 10 $100 donations).

Ulster People wants a 5:1 ratio—if for no other reason than to avoid the weeds.  When matched at a 5:1 ratio, the qualifying $500 would become $2500, maxing out the public funds available.   Done.  It’s simple and straightforward.  Give them the money and be done with the calculations. 

Individual Contribution Limits

Remember that the presumed goal of enacting campaign finance reform is to counter the overwhelming influence of wealth on our political process.  But candidates who opt into this public financing program are free to continue raising money even after maxing out their public money.  The only constraint is the legal limit on individual contributions.  The subcommittee has (tentatively) agreed to a limit of $500.

Ulster People believes that a $250 is limit is one we can live with, though we would prefer it to be lower.  A lower cap on individual donations doesn’t mean that some candidates with deep pocket donors won’t outraise and outspend their opponents, but it does make buying an election proportionally harder– and the voices of small donors are proportionally augmented.  

The subcommittee has yet to resolve some tricky issues, among them:  Who will be responsible for oversight?  How much will the county have to budget to keep the program adequately funded?  Does it make sense to introduce legislation at the local level first and at the statewide level sometime in the future?   

To be continued….

Make Your Voice Heard

The subcommittee has now met three times and are scheduled to meet next on June 13th (6-8 PM at the Library, 6th floor of the Ulster County Office Building).  Tracey Bartels, Chair of the UCL, and the two Ulster County Board of Elections Commissioners, Ashley Dittus (D) and Tom Turco (R), are scheduled to appear to discuss, among other things, how the program might best be overseen. The public is welcome and encouraged to come.

Join Our County Legislature Observers Group

The Ulster County Legislature (UCL) Observers Working Group attends Ulster County Legislative and standing committee meetings and reports back to our larger body. Our attendance at the Legislature’s regular sessions, at committee meetings and at scheduled public hearings is seen by our endorsed candidates as support and is much appreciated. It’s also a great way to find out what is on their agenda and get to know the individuals who represent us. Please consider going!

Upcoming meetings of the Ulster County Legislature

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Getting on the Ballot in NY State Part 1: Background

Posted on by Penny
Getting on the Ballot in New York State - Part I: Background

This post is an excerpt from our forthcoming The Ulster County Electoral Field Guide, developed by Ulster People Vice Chair Penny Coleman. We have done our best to ensure its accuracy as of March 2019.

Series Navigation

New York’s Election Laws (Background)

Election laws and procedures are different everywhere you go in the U.S. and at every level of federal, state and local government.  The way things are done in Ulster County might be similar to the way things are done in Columbia or Green, but don’t count on it. It’s always best to make sure you understand what the specific local rules are for the office you are seeking. Check with the BOE and never assume that what was true for last year’s election will be true for the next.

Image by Let NY Vote

Some background on New York State Election Politics:

If you think voting restrictions are only a southern shame, think again.  New Yorkers have endured some of the most restrictive voting rights laws, and consequently one of the worst records on voter turnout, in the country.  In 2016, we ranked 41st in voter turnout. That was an improvement over 2014, when we ranked 49th, with only 27% of eligible voters making it to the polls.

Continue reading “Getting on the Ballot in NY State Part 1: Background” →

Ulster People Endorses Strong, Rounds & Clegg!

Posted on by Endorsements Committee
Ulster People for Justice & Democracy is proud to endorse Pat Strong, Byran Rounds, and Dave Clegg

Ulster People for Justice & Democracy is proud to endorse the following candidates for countywide office in 2019, who, if elected, will shift the balance of power and make real change possible:

  • A thriving and inclusive local economy that supports ALL our residents.
  • Protection of the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable among us.
  • A healthy, sustainable environment for now and generations to come.
Continue reading “Ulster People Endorses Strong, Rounds & Clegg!” →

Get On The Bus for the Feb 12th Fair Elections Albany Day of Action!

Action Deadline: February 12, 2019


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Fair Elections for NY Feb 12 Day of Action

It’s time to reject the big-money status quo and make people the most important currency in Albany.

Join the Fair Elections Coalition in Albany on February 12 to demand Fair Elections!

We must protect and expand the freedom to vote for every eligible New Yorker and pass comprehensive campaign finance reform, including a small donor matching system. It’s time to make Albany work for all New Yorkers, not just big donors. To tackle the crises we face in housing, living wage jobs, criminal justice, affordable health care, transportation, climate, fair taxes, and more, we must transform a campaign finance system that advantages the interests of the few over those of the many. We must make fixing our democracy the first priority in Albany.  

BUS PICKUP SCHEDULE (fill out the form to sign up & secure a spot on the bus)  

White Plains: 6:30 AM
16 Ferris Ave., White Plains, NY 10601

Newburgh: 8:00 AM
60 NY Highway 17K, Newburgh, NY 12550

Kingston: 9:00 AM
I587 Park and Ride Kingston, NY 12401

Reserve Your Seat on the Bus

Questions? Contact regional organizer Andy Falk (afalk@citizenactionny.org, 914-629-4089)

Call Your NY State Reps to Demand Fair Elections!

Action Deadline: January 9, 2019


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For the first time in many years, there is new and different leadership at the State Capital in Albany. The New York legislature is officially back in session, and now it is critical that we demand our lawmakers fix our broken election laws.

For too long real estate and hedge fund billionaires have used their money to block progress in Albany. It’s past time to make Albany work for all New Yorkers, not wealthy special interests.

The people of New York want tenant protections, education equity, decarceration, health care for all, and climate justice, but we must fix our democracy first. We need voting rights, like automatic voter registration, and we need a campaign finance system that values small donors first, not big checks from lobbyists.

The Fair Elections for NY Campaign has created a hotline that will transfer you to your elected representative, or the office of a Senator or Assembly person who is in a key position to make a difference on these issues: Dial 866-864-8567

Tell the person who answers the phone:

There’s no excuse not to fix our broken democracy. Pass voting rights and a small donor public financing system early in 2019.

Then, please fill out the form at fairelectionsny.org to let them know how your call went!

Register to vote! And double-check your registration!

Action Deadline: October 12, 2018

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Friday, October 12th is the LAST day to register to vote in New York in the upcoming November elections! Not only that, is is also the LAST DAY to change your party affiliation in advance of the 2019 primary elections — a whole year away!

Not registered? No problem.

Even if you’re already registered, PLEASE take a moment right now to double-check. Especially if you’ve moved recently. But even if you haven’t. New York State is notorious for purging voters from the rolls. We need to be vigilant!

To check your registration, visit voterlookup.elections.ny.gov and enter your info (or use the form below, powered by vote.org). Fill at the form to look up your registration, and then confirm (Under “Voter Information”) that:

  • Your address is accurate.
  • Your political party is the one whose primary you want to vote in.
  • Your voter status is active.

Vote in the 2018 State/Local Primary!

Action Deadline: September 13, 2018

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Vote! Polls are open Noon – 9PM.

If you are a DEMOCRAT in ULSTER COUNTY, please vote Juan Figueroa for Ulster County Sheriff!

If you are a DEMOCRAT in NEW YORK STATE, please vote Cynthia Nixon for Governor and Jumaane Williams for Lt. Governor!

If you are a DEMOCRAT or UNAFFILIATED/INDEPENDENT voter in NY STATE SENATE DISTRICT 42 (in Ulster County, that’s Rosendale, New Paltz, Gardiner, Shawangunk, Wawarsing, and Denning), please vote for Jen Metzger for State Senate!

Read about why we’ve endorsed these candidates.

Find your polling place.

Step 1: Find your “election district” at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov

Step 2: Lookup your polling place here.

ATTN: NEW PALTZ, PLATTEKILL & WAWARSING voters: Your polling site may have changed!

Click to see full-size images.

Know Your Rights!

In New York State, it is illegal to ask for an ID at the polls!

The only exception is if you are voting at your polling location for the first time and the Board of Elections was previously unable to verify your identity with the DMV or Social Security Office. This typically only happens if you did not provide a drivers license or social security number when you registered to vote. If this happened, you should have received notice from the Board of Elections prior to election day. You can verify your identity with any of the following: a valid photo ID, a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or some other form of government document that shows both your name and address.

(Here’s the law, see page 12).

Trouble at the Polls? Report it!

If you experience any issues voting today, or feel you are being discriminated against at the polls, please call the Attorney General’s voter hotline at 800-771-7755 or the Nixon campaign hotline at 646-688-4124. You can also email the AG at civil.rights@ag.ny.gov. Locally you can contact the Ulster Board of Elections at 845-334-5470. Please also notify Ulster People if your problem is not resolved by emailing connect@ulsterpeople.org.

Did you know that independent voters not registered in a political party can vote for Jen Metzger in the primary?


If you are an unaffiliated, independent voter in State Senate District 42*, who does not belong to any political party, you can also VOTE for Jen on September 13th!

Independent voters can write in “Jen Metzger” on the line on the Reform party ballot. More details here.

* In Ulster County, District 42 includes the towns of Rosendale, New Paltz, Gardiner, Shawangunk, Wawarsing, and Denning.

Announcing Ulster People’s 2018 Endorsements!

Posted on by Endorsements Committee

Ulster People 2018 Endorsements

Ulster People is proud to endorse the following candidates for State and County office, who, if elected, will shift the balance of power and make real change possible:

  • A thriving and inclusive local economy that supports ALL our residents.
  • Protection of the rights and well-being of the most vulnerable among us.
  • A healthy, sustainable environment for now and generations to come.

In competitive primary races, Ulster People is endorsing the following candidates:

Cynthia Nixon Cynthia Nixon for NYS Governor
Jumaane WilliamsJumaane Williams for NYS Lieutenant Governor
Juan FigueroaJuan Figueroa for Ulster County Sheriff
Jen MetzgerJen Metzger for NYS Senate District 42

And in the general election:

Pat StrongPat Strong for NYS Senate District 46
Joyce St. GeorgeJoyce St. George for NYS Senate District 51

On the CD-19 Race

In the CD-19 race, Ulster People is inspired by the number of candidates who embrace the people-friendly policies of our platform. Given the many strengths of the candidates and our shared commitment to defeating John Faso in the general election, we have decided not to endorse any individual candidate at this time. We look forward to working hard after the primary for a candidate who shares our values. In the meantime, we will focus our efforts on supporting our endorsed candidates at the county and state levels.

About Our Endorsement Process

Any candidate who wished to seek the group’s endorsement, regardless of party, was asked to complete a questionnaire which was reviewed by Ulster People’s endorsement committee. If the responses showed a strong alignment between the candidate’s views and actions and Ulster People’s platform, candidates were invited to interview with the endorsement committee, after which, the committee voted to recommend endorsement (or not). The voting members of Ulster People made the final endorsement decisions.

So now that we’ve endorsed them, let’s help get them elected!

You may also volunteer or donate to the candidates directly through their websites (linked above).

We also encourage you to like each candidate’s Facebook page (also linked above) and like, comment, and share their posts!

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Press inquiries, contact connect@ulsterpeople.org.