Political Endorsements
Since the 2020 election, Actors' Equity Association has worked to build more political power for union members by forming a political action committee, expanding the union's use of political endorsements and sending union members to turn out union voters in battleground states.
Equity's public policy priorities nationwide include defending and protecting the right to collectively bargain, a prevailing wage in the arts, racial justice, a strong minimum wage, stronger federal and state arts funding, gun violence prevention, universal federal health care, tax fairness and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.
New York 2025
While Equity is not making ranked choice style endorsements at this time, the voting system will be used in the June 24 primary. Voters can rank up to five candidates in order of preference. If a candidate gets more than 50% of first-choice votes, they win. If not, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and those votes are reallocated to the next ranked choice on each ballot. This process continues until one candidate has over 50% and is declared the winner. Ranking multiple candidates doesn't hurt your top choice, and your vote still counts if your top pick is eliminated.
We all have something at stake in this election – now is the time to stand in solidarity and protect our rights.
For more information about voting in NYC and to find your polling site, visit NYCVotes.org.
Jumaane Williams
New York City Public Advocate
From Executive Director Al Vincent, Jr.: "In his many years of public service, Jumaane Williams has prioritized workers in New York City, a commitment he has only strengthened during his first term as public advocate. Equity looks forward to working alongside him over the next four years on issues that affect our members most, like housing access and labor rights."
Mark Levine
New York City Comptroller
"Since his time on City Council, Mark Levine has worked closely with Equity and heard our concerns," said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "Crucially, he understands that a strong prevailing wage has a massive impact on arts workers being able to live and ply their craft in New York. For an office like comptroller, we will be grateful to have someone who understands how our members fit into the larger economic fabric of this city."
Antonio Reynoso
Brooklyn Borough President
From Executive Director Al Vincent, Jr.: "Antonio Reynoso has demonstrated that he understands that no matter what the industry, workers in Brooklyn share common needs and concerns: the ability to work safely and live affordably in the most populous borough in New York City. We join our fellow unions, in fields ranging from nursing to communications, in supporting him as he heads into his second term as borough president."
Brad Hoylman-Sigal
Manhattan Borough President
"In his current office, State Senator Hoylman-Sigal has worked closely with Equity on legislation that demands fair wages for arts workers," said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "Coupled with his excellent track record of passing laws that better the lives of New Yorkers, we know that as Manhattan borough president, he will continue to advocate for the needs of our members."