How VOTE-COPE Works

As a labor union and public education advocate, NYSUT exists to push for public policies that benefit our schools, our students, our communities and our members’ personal and professional lives.

To get our goals turned into laws and policies (or protect the ones we currently have) we need people in public office who share our values.

How does VOTE-COPE choose which candidates to support?

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.

At the State Level

In New York state, that includes those decisionmakers include statewide office holders like the governor, the comptroller and the attorney general.

It also includes the 63 members of the New York State Senate and the 150 members of the New York State Assembly.

The more public offices that are occupied by people who believe in the importance of labor unions and the value of educators and public schools, the more of our pro-worker, pro-education policies laws and policies we can get enacted at the state level.

At the Local Level

In school districts across the state, most decisions that affect the running of our schools come down to the elected members of the school board.

If we elect people to school boards who believe in the promise of public schools for all our children, and support our educators’ mission to support our children, we get well-run schools that lead to great communities where people want to live.

Local unions can also get access to VOTE-COPE funding to support special campaigns or efforts in their communities or direct contact with elected officials about particular issues.

Because wealthy special interests are trying to reshape education for their benefit, VOTE-COPE ensures educators have a seat at every table where decisions are made.

It sounds simple: Get people elected who support public schools, educators and union rights. But there’s a big problem: There are other people working very hard and giving a huge amount of money to push for exactly the opposite. They want to elect candidates who want to defund and tear down public schools; who want to dismantle unions and workers’ rights. VOTE-COPE is how we push back.

What We Want

Strong public schools that build strong communities
Opportunities for every student to succeed, no matter where they come from or what their background
For working people to have access to what unions offer: Good jobs with fair pay, healthcare, benefits and the ability to live a secure life.

What They Want

To erode our public schools and send their resources to corporate-owned, unaccountable charter and private schools.
To reduce the power and voice of working people and unions so they can keep more money with corporations and the ultra-wealthy interests.

What They Have

A small number of corporate and ultra-wealthy donors propping up their political candidates with billions of dollars in funding.

What We Have

We have YOU: Hundreds of thousands of educators and working people each giving a tiny fraction of your hard-earned money to support the causes that matter most.

Contribute to VOTE-COPE
Small Amounts Lead to Huge Results

VOTE-COPE is one of the best investments you can make in yourself, your family, your profession, your colleagues, your school and public education.

Contribute to VOTE-COPE today

NYSUT members: contact your local union leader to find out how to give to VOTE-COPE.

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.