During presidential and gubernatorial elections, New Yorkers vote at a rate of 70% and 52%, respectively.
CSEA members, however, consistently turn out at even higher rates, often 15 percentage points more than the general public. That kind of turnout demonstrates our union’s power to shape the outcomes of elections that directly impact our wages, benefits and working conditions.
Nowhere is that power more critical than in school board and budget elections, held every third Tuesday in May.
These elections determine who governs our public schools and whether budgets that fund critical services, including the jobs and workplaces of CSEA members, are approved.
Yet, despite their importance, these elections often see very low turnout.
The power of our vote
For example, let’s examine a medium sized school district in Erie County.
Out of about 24,000 potential voters, only 2,553 people voted in the most recent school election, a turnout of just under 11%.
In that same district, there are 1,227 CSEA members and retirees. If every member residing in
that school district showed up to vote, we could make up nearly half of the total electorate.
Strong voter turnout can determine the outcome of electing labor-friendly school board members and passing budgets that protect and support our union members. Having board members who stand with working people help CSEA members have a voice to ensure safe working conditions and strong contracts.
Get involved
While CSEA doesn’t endorse in every local race, our union does support candidates and budgets that stand with CSEA working families.
Contact your region’s political action coordinator or visit cseany.org/vote for a list of CSEA-endorsed candidates and budgets in your area.
Don’t forget to vote! When we vote, we win!
