As you know, 2003 is a major election year in New York City. Every 10 years, City Council districts change based on the most recent census. This year, City Council district lines have been redrawn, and all 51 Council seats are up for election. You will make important decisions shaping the future of our City and its leadership by voting in the general election this fall. This Voter Guide is designed to help you compare candidates and make choices about ballot proposals as you prepare to vote in the November 4 general election.

The Voter Guide is a nonpartisan, plain-language handbook published by the New York City Campaign Finance Board (the “CFB”), an independent City agency, to give you information about City elections. Under the City Charter, a paper Guide is printed and mailed in English and Spanish and, consistent with Federal voting laws, a paper Guide is also distributed in Chinese and Korean in some districts. It contains statements and photos submitted by City Council candidates, information on voting and voters’ rights, information on City and State ballot proposals, and maps to help you determine your City Council district.

The CFB administers the New York City Campaign Finance Program. The Program reduces the influence of private money on City campaigns, offers qualified candidates a fair chance to run for office by providing public matching funds for small contributions and makes available detailed information on candidates’ campaign finances. To learn more about the Program and the CFB, see “NYC’s Campaign Finance Program”.

Informed voters strengthen democracy. We hope that this 2003 General Election Voter Guide will help you make informed choices on election day.

Sincerely,

Frederick A.O. Schwarz, Jr.
Chair
New York City Campaign Finance Board