FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: College Democrats of New York Urge Governor Paterson to Set Special Congressional Election
Claim there are nearly 40,000 college students in Congressional District
On Friday September 25, 2009 the College Democrats of New York asked Governor David Paterson to set the special election date to replace outgoing Congressman John McHugh on November 3, 2009.
In a letter to the Governor, President Ian Rivera wrote, "Within the 23rd Congressional district there are several colleges ñ including SUNYs Oneonta, Oswego, Potsdam and Plattsburgh, as well as St. Lawrence College ñ which comprise a student body of nearly 40,000. Student representation is a nonpartisan issue, and this election should fairly include all members of the 23rd Congressional district that might have an impact on the outcome of this special election."
CDNY is well aware that voter turnout is traditionally higher and the election less expensive to the state when it is held on established electoral dates, such as the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
President Rivera concluded, "CDNY is committed to ensuring that all college students, Democrat or Republican, have the same right to vote. In several previous elections around the state, college students have had their right to vote denied or abridged. With the Governorís help by setting the election for November 3, I am confident that will not be the case with this special election."
The full text of President Ian Riveraís letter to Governor Paterson is attached.
###
The College Democrats of New York is the official college arm of the Democratic National Committee in New York State with a distinct focus on electing Democrats from the grassroots level up. With over 1,000 members in 30 chapters statewide, CDNY's young voters have left their mark canvassing all over the Northeast for Democratic candidates at the local, state, and national level. CDNY recognizes the importance of youth involvement and is dedicated to developing the next generating of Democratic leadership.
###
If you would like more information on this topic, or to set up an interview with Ian Rivera, please contact Matt Cashman at (732) 890-3615 or Matt.Cashman@collegedemsny.com
-------------------------
September 25, 2009
Governor David A. Paterson
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Dear Governor Paterson:
I write to you on behalf of the College Democrats of New York and all college students in the 23rd Congressional District in reference to the imminent special election to fill the seat vacated by Secretary of the Army John McHugh. As you decide when the special election will occur, I urge you to consider a date when college students may participate.
Within the 23rd Congressional district there are several colleges – including SUNYs Oneonta, Oswego, Potsdam and Plattsburgh, as well as St. Lawrence College – which comprise a student body of nearly 40,000. Student representation is a nonpartisan issue, and this election should fairly include all members of the 23rd Congressional district that might have an impact on the outcome of this special election.
I point out these details in the hope that you will call for a special election in which the significant student body in the 23rd Congressional district can be accurately represented while their institutions are in session. Not only would an election day in the academic year allow students to better assist and volunteer in these campaigns, but will increase overall student involvement and interest in the democratic process. Furthermore, such a high-profile special election will inspire students who are not yet registered or engaged in local politics to become involved and turnout in an off year.
The College Democrats of New York are well aware that voter turnout is traditionally higher and the election less expensive to the state when it is held on established electoral dates, which is why I further urge you to call for this election to occur on Election Day, November 3, 2009.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this issue and I look forward to your decision on this critical matter to the College Democrats of New York and students across the 23rd Congressional District.
Sincerely,
Ian Rivera
Ian Rivera
President, College Democrats of New York
www.collegedemsny.com
- cfrommann's blog
- Login or register to post comments
Join us in texting 'Haiti' to 90999 to get $10 donation to American Red Cross for relief to Haiti collegedems.
Blog
This is a caption
“The CBO found the Recovery Act is responsible for 600,000 to 1.6 million jobs and has raised GDP by 1.2 to 3.2 percent. Without the Recovery Act these jobs would have either disappeared or never existed in the first place and this positive economic growth would not have been possible.
“Our economy still has a long way to go and we will not rest until everyone who wants a job can find one, but the economy is no longer in a free-fall. Democrats in Congress showed real leadership by supporting the Recovery Act. Unfortunately, Republicans - the Party of NO -refused to offer an alternative. They stood on the sidelines as President Obama and Congressional Democrats took the steps necessary to reverse the economic decline they inherited after eight years of failed Republican economic policies. Now, by cheering for the Act’s failure, the GOP remains on the wrong side of history. As President Obama and Democrats continue to take steps to strengthen our economy, it’s time for Republicans to stop saying 'No', quit playing politics and start working with us on behalf of American families and workers.” Read More...
This is a caption
“The CBO found the Recovery Act is responsible for 600,000 to 1.6 million jobs and has raised GDP by 1.2 to 3.2 percent. Without the Recovery Act these jobs would have either disappeared or never existed in the first place and this positive economic growth would not have been possible.
“Our economy still has a long way to go and we will not rest until everyone who wants a job can find one, but the economy is no longer in a free-fall. Democrats in Congress showed real leadership by supporting the Recovery Act. Unfortunately, Republicans - the Party of NO -refused to offer an alternative. They stood on the sidelines as President Obama and Congressional Democrats took the steps necessary to reverse the economic decline they inherited after eight years of failed Republican economic policies. Now, by cheering for the Act’s failure, the GOP remains on the wrong side of history. As President Obama and Democrats continue to take steps to strengthen our economy, it’s time for Republicans to stop saying 'No', quit playing politics and start working with us on behalf of American families and workers.”