Pensions
Academic Freedom
Tenure
Collective Bargaining
Contracts
Just this past year, candidates supported by VOTE-COPE have contributed to important victories:
AT THE STATE LEVEL
SCHOOL BOARD & BUDGET ELECTIONS
AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL
VOTE-COPE endorses candidates who support educators and public education and who align with our union values.
We also make sure to support candidates who have the greatest likelihood of being able to advocate for us in the halls of power.
NYSUT supports both Republicans and Democrats and has a thorough endorsement process for vetting candidates. The only criteria for earning our endorsement are a demonstrated commitment to labor and education issues.
While you might not personally like some of the candidates the union endorses, it's important we collectively support the ones who support our collective rights as workers.
Why should NYSUT members contribute to VOTE-COPE?
VOTE-COPE is one of the best investments you can make in yourself, your family, your profession, your colleagues, your school and public education.
Did You Know?
The total amount of NYSUT dues used to support political candidates.
The typical amount of VOTE-COPE contributions that are sent to local unions for activities, school board races and the passage of school budgets.
The amount NYSUT is outspent by bad actors trying to break up our union.
The amount of VOTE-COPE money that goes to protect the things that UNITE US: Pensions, Tenure, Salaries, Fair Working Conditions
How much ultra-wealthy and corporate donors are giving to fund anti-education union-killing advocacy organizations. We must fight back!
VOTE-COPE is the statewide union’s voluntary, non-partisan advocacy fund. NYSUT member contributions help us advocate for our members' rights and for strong, safe public schools across the state. No member dues dollars are used to support political candidates.
VOTE-COPE is NYSUT’s Political Action Committee. VOTE-COPE funds are used in federal, state and local elections. Contributing to VOTE-COPE is voluntary, and NYSUT members and their immediate family members may refuse to contribute to VOTE-COPE without reprisal. Contributing to VOTE-COPE is not a condition of membership in any labor organization. Contributions to VOTE-COPE will be screened, and any unauthorized contributions will be returned. Contributions to VOTE-COPE are not deductible as charitable
contributions for federal income tax purposes.