‘Protecting Our Democracy: Fair Elections and Redistricting Reform’ at Oct. 16 Session of IRP

The Oct. 16 session of the Institute for Retired People (IRP) will feature Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause New York. Lerner will explain why Common Cause believes elections are not working for New York voters.

“The outsize role of money in politics has our elected officials answering to special interests over regular voters. New York needs comprehensive campaign finance reform. Redistricting is a fundamental issue that determines political power and what policy change we can get passed in Albany for decades to come. Common Cause strongly supports real redistricting reform, but opposes Prop 1, the constitutional amendment on the ballot this November.”

Founded in 1970, Common Cause has sparked a democracy reform movement that continues to grow—with offices in 35 states and members in all 50 states. Common Cause New York is “dedicated to restoring the core values of American democracy and reinventing an open, honest and accountable government that empowers ordinary people to make their voices heard.”

IRP meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Syracuse, 5833 E. Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville. The meeting is open to anyone in the community who is retired or semi-retired.

For more information, visit http://uc.syr.edu/irp, call Colleen at 315-443-4846 or e-mail cps@uc.syr.edu. IRP is a community program of University College of Syracuse University, dedicated to the principle of lifelong learning.