About us
Common Cause New York and our members are fighting for the democracy we deserve.
We put our proven policy expertise, our network of grassroots supporters, and our nonpartisan approach into action to strengthen our democracy against the challenges it faces today. We work across New York on priorities that impact each of our lives—like defending the right to vote, making our government more accountable, promoting transparency, and more.
When We the People come together, we can make a real and lasting difference. Taking action with Common Cause New York means joining a powerful movement in pursuit of a democracy that gives all New Yorkers a voice in the decisions that shape our future.
Our Impact
Common Cause New York knows how to win reforms that reach every corner of our state. We lead the most important fights for our democracy, no matter where they take place. Learn more about some of our key victories—and how you can play a meaningful role in the fight for an open, honest, and accountable government.
Our Team
The staff at Common Cause New York work day in and day out in defense of transparency, fairness, and the right to be heard in our democracy. Our expertise and creativity drive all of the crucial work we do for New Yorkers. Get to know us, get connected—and reach out with questions about Common Cause New York’s latest efforts.
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Common Cause works...
In the Legislature
At the national, state, and local level, Common Cause works with officials from across the political spectrum to pass proven, common-sense solutions and stop attacks on our rights. Our team members and supporters are frequent visitors to the U.S. Capitol and statehouses across the country, meeting with decision-makers to discuss target legislation. We have a long history of making lasting change through the legislative process.
In the Courts
Common Cause has played a key role in some of the most impactful court cases over the last several decades. We work at every level of the country’s legal system, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and have consistently demonstrated that through hard-hitting legal action, we can make real progress on the democracy issues that count—like fair redistricting, government transparency, and campaign finance.
On the Ground
Common Cause’s power lies in its 1.5 million supporters nationwide. We mobilize our members at lobby days in statehouses to advocate for key reforms and shut down harmful bills; as Election Protection monitors, helping voters each Election Day; at pro-democracy rallies and demonstrations across the country; and much, much more. We know that when our members turn out and work together, we get results.
And Beyond...
Common Cause is committed to leading the most important fights for our democracy, no matter where they take place. We show up in many ways—including online, where our members contact legislators in support of target bills, spread the word about our work on social media, and report harmful election disinformation.
Our History
John Gardner, a Republican who served in President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Cabinet, founded Common Cause as “a people’s lobby” in 1970. Today, we are 1.5 million members and supporters strong and have active offices in over 25 states. Our long and rich history includes milestones like lowering the national voting age to 18, enacting a ban on “soft money” in political campaigns, and helping to create the Office of Congressional Ethics.
Our Commitment to Equity
At Common Cause, we know that racial equity and inclusion must be at the core of what we strive to be, as must equity and inclusion for all individuals across identities and differences (ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religious beliefs, tribe, caste, age, class, thinking and communication styles, etc.). These values are essential to the successful execution of our mission: creating a truly representative and inclusive government.
