Category Archives: Writings

Sunday Thoughts:  Democracy delayed but maybe not denied in the time of COVID

2020 has already seen massive changes to the political landscape of New York without one election actually being held.  The COVID crisis has made us think on the fly about how to hold elections, delay elections, and in some cases whether to hold them at all.  The crisis has also shined a light on theContinue reading “Sunday Thoughts:  Democracy delayed but maybe not denied in the time of COVID”

Sunday Thoughts: Coalition Building

When the Democratic Primary for President started I made the supposition that the eventual winner would be the one who could best navigate the diverse coalition of the Democratic Party. What I never thought would happen is the quick coalition around Joe Biden and perhaps I underestimated him. What has become obvious is Biden isContinue reading “Sunday Thoughts: Coalition Building”

State Legislature needs to open up absentee balloting

On March 29, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo postponed the planned presidential primary and special elections to June 23. The postponement was supported by both Republican and Democratic elections commissioners throughout New York State. The move protected poll workers and voters from exposure to Covid-19 and the combination of both elections saved local governments much-needed funds.Continue reading “State Legislature needs to open up absentee balloting”

Testimony in support of NYVRA March 3, 2020

My testimony in front of the NYS Senate Standing Committee on Elections in support of the New York State Voting Rights Act For full hearing go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=B_2g4IWnnDk&feature=emb_logo Prepared written remarks below: Testimony before the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Elections Hearing for the New York Voting Right Act, S.7528 (Myrie) Tuesday MarchContinue reading “Testimony in support of NYVRA March 3, 2020”

NY voters have spoken on election reforms

This past November the citizens of New York turned out in record numbers to reform and reshape New York state government. Driving many to the polls was an effort to change our antiquated election system in New York state. Often these reforms were blocked by the GOP leadership in the state Senate. The voters rebelledContinue reading “NY voters have spoken on election reforms”

Testimony before NY Senate and Assembly Early Voting Hearing 11/20/19

My testimony before the NY State Senate and Assembly joint Elections Committee hearing on Early Voting. I gave testimony about continuing NYS funding and ways to remove impediments to expanding Early Voting sites. You can see the full testimony of all witnesses here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-_koPu0NH8 Prepared Remarks Below Testimony before the Joint Committee meeting of TheContinue reading “Testimony before NY Senate and Assembly Early Voting Hearing 11/20/19”

NY legislative session begins, ends with historic election reform

The 2019 session of the New York State Legislature has now come to a close. The new unified Democratic government led by Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, along with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, promised swift and substantial actions on long-dormant election reforms. They delivered on that promise with the most consequentialContinue reading “NY legislative session begins, ends with historic election reform”

Testimony in front of NYS Senate Elections Committee on AVR

My testimony in front of the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Elections in favor of Automatic Voter Registration. https://www.facebook.com/dustinmczarny/videos/898917260442311/ You can see the entire hearing here: Prepared Remarks Testimony before The New York State Senate Standing Committee on Elections Thursday May 30, 2019 1pm Dustin M. Czarny, NYSECA Democratic Caucus Chair Thank you for lettingContinue reading “Testimony in front of NYS Senate Elections Committee on AVR”