MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR PLANNING PURPOSES

February 25, 2026

WHO:
Anthony Thomas, Executive Director, Unite NY
Veterans participating in Lobby Day, a volunteer community of military veterans advocating for election reforms including open primaries, organized by Veterans for All Voters

WHAT:

Unite NY and a volunteer delegation of military veterans will participate in Lobby Day at the New York State Capitol to advocate for election reforms that expand voter participation — including open primaries.

Approximately 50% of military veterans are unaffiliated voters and therefore barred from voting in closed primaries. 

Unite NY and participating veterans will meet with lawmakers to advocate for election reforms that expand voter participation and strengthen accountability in New York’s elections.

Veterans and Unite NY representatives will be available for on-the-record interviews.

WHEN:
Wednesday, February 25
12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Or interviews can be arranged to accommodate your schedule

WHERE:
New York State Capitol
Albany, NY
Near the Legislative Correspondents Association Pressroom

WHY IT MATTERS:
Military veterans proudly serve our country in a non-partisan capacity, putting country over party. But when they come home, upwards of 50% are shut out of elections becasue they are unaffiliated. 

Closed primaries across New York prevent hundreds of thousands of independent voters — including those who served — from having a voice in key elections. According to Unite NY’s recent Voter Empowerment Index, 59% of New Yorkers support non partisan or open primaries. 

Veterans are advocating for an election system in New York that lives up to American values — fairness,  representation, and government that answers to the people.

CONTACT:
Anthony Thomas, Executive Director, Unite NY
[email protected]