Dawn Smalls, Candidate for Public Advocate, Issues Statement in Response to Voting Reforms Passed By State Senate

  "As one of the major platform issues in my campaign for Public Advocate, I'm happy to finally see progress on these long-overdue reforms," Ms. Smalls said of the legislation passed on Voting Reforms by the NY State Senate. "Our outdated election laws have directly contributed to our dismal voter turnout. Just 12% of eligible voters showed up for the 2017 Primary. That is shameful for a state that puts itself forward as one of the most progressive in the nation."

Smalls has been an active proponent of voting reforms over the course of her career. She managed tens of millions of dollars in grants at two of the world's largest philanthropies promoting civic engagement, political reform, and grassroots activism. And, as an attorney, she got an injunction against Trump in the lead up to the 2016 campaign to prohibit voter intimidation at the polls. Smalls has also been involved in Stacy Abrams' efforts to make sure every voice is heard and every vote is counted following her bid for Governor of Georgia.

"The passage of these reforms are a great start for New Yorkers - but they won’t mean anything unless they are properly implemented," commented Smalls. "As Public Advocate, I will be the people’s watchdog to make sure the current reforms are properly implemented so that New Yorkers see a real change the next time they come to the polls. I will also advocate for the passage of policies that are missing from this first round of reforms like restoration for people on parole and the flexibility to change parties closer to the election."