Lefty Dem group urges city voters to influence upstate elections where their vacation homes are: ‘Morally reprehensible’

A lefty nonprofit is encouraging Democrats to vote in the districts where their vacation homes are in order to “maximize” their voting power — a “morally reprehensible” strategy experts said gives an unfair advantage to the rich and motivated. Even if it “feels weird” or people are invested in politics at home, MoveIndigo needs “all

A lefty nonprofit is encouraging Democrats to vote in the districts where their vacation homes are in order to “maximize” their voting power — a “morally reprehensible” strategy experts said gives an unfair advantage to the rich and motivated.

Even if it “feels weird” or people are invested in politics at home, MoveIndigo needs “all hands on deck in the most competitive districts,” according to a letter received by NYC residents.

It cited New York election law that states voters can choose which residence to which they have a “legitimate, significant and continuing attachment” when deciding to vote.

Manhattan voters received a letter in the mail from MoveIndigo at the end of July urging them to vote from their vacation homes. Obtained by The New York Post

Though legal, “residence hopping” can compromise “trust and integrity in elections,” according to Brian Browne, an adjunct political science professor at St. John’s University.

It gives “an unfair advantage to voters with more mobility, money and motivation” — especially in a close election, he added.

A Manhattan voter who recently received the letter was disturbed by it. “The idea that weekenders could go influence an election is morally reprehensible,” she told The Post.

Democrats can even vote for City Council and then re-register for federal elections, MoveIndigo noted.

“The law is clear on that there can’t be any aura of sham, and routinely switching registration would raise that risk,” warned election law attorney Aaron Foldenauer.

MoveIndigo is campaigning for Democrats to vote from the districts where they have second homes instead of deep-blue Manhattan and Brooklyn, in an effort to win congressional seats and flip the House. China News Service via Getty Images

He called the MoveIndigo efforts “unprecedented.”

The group, which pulled $210,900 in contributions in the first half of 2024 and gets thousands of dollars from ActBlue, according to tax filings, has its sights set on districts including New York’s 17th, 18th and 19th, which span from Westchester to the Finger Lakes.

In NY-17, lefty “Squad” Mondaire Jones is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Michael Lawler. In NY-18, Democratic incumbent Rep. Pat Ryan is facing former NYPD Deputy Inspector Alison Esposito.

Voters cast their ballots at the Fox Meadow School in Scarsdale, New York in June. Matthew McDermott
A large number of second home owners in New York have primary residences in Manhattan and Brooklyn, MoveIndigo estimates. Osaze – stock.adobe.com

The congressional seat in NY-19 was flipped in a tight midterm election and Rep. Marc Molinaro faces a rematch against Democrat Josh Riley in November.

Nationally, MoveIndigo helps Democrats looking to relocate by recommending places to move to based on where their vote will have the most impact. “We only propose places that are considered toss-ups,” the site says.

The group did not immediately respond to questions from The Post.

Total
0
Shares
Leave a Reply
Related Posts
Killer widow, 76, is found dead at Connecticut home hours before she was due to be sentenced for brutal killing of doctor husband, 84
Read More

Killer widow, 76, is found dead at Connecticut home hours before she was due to be sentenced for brutal killing of doctor husband, 84

A Connecticut widow who killed her husband has been found dead while awaiting sentencing on manslaughter charges for the brutal killing of her doctor husband. Linda Kosuda-Bigazzi, 76, admitted bludgeoning her spouse Dr. Pierluigi Bigazzi, 84, to death in 2017. She then wrapped his body in a rug and left it in the basement of
Is French train arson Putin’s new terror tactic? Czech Republic warned just three months ago that Russia had made THOUSANDS of attempts to interfere with Europe’s rail networks
Read More

Is French train arson Putin’s new terror tactic? Czech Republic warned just three months ago that Russia had made THOUSANDS of attempts to interfere with Europe’s rail networks

Questions have been raised over the possible involvement of Russia in a series of coordinated attacks against France's high-speed rail network. The attacks were launched last night - with fires started at key installations just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics - bringing major disruption to some of the country's busiest rail lines.
Mpox Could Be Declared A Public Health Emergency Today—Here’s What To Know
Read More

Mpox Could Be Declared A Public Health Emergency Today—Here’s What To Know

Forbes Business Breaking Mpox Could Be Declared A Public Health Emergency Today—Here’s What To Know Robert Hart Forbes Staff Robert Hart is a London-based Forbes senior reporter. Following Aug 14, 2024, 07:54am EDT Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Topline The World Health Organization is considering declaring an international health emergency over
Biden’s speech: Warnings about Trump without naming him, a hefty to-do list, and a power handoff
Read More

Biden’s speech: Warnings about Trump without naming him, a hefty to-do list, and a power handoff

President Joe Biden delivered a solemn Oval Office address Wednesday that laid out in the clearest terms yet why he abandoned his reelection campaign Biden’s speech: Warnings about Trump without naming him, a hefty to-do list, and a power handoffBy SEUNG MIN KIM and COLLEEN LONGAssociated PressThe Associated PressWASHINGTON WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden