Dave Palmer Email & Phone Number

New York, Ny, Us

The Center for Ballot Freedom is a unique structural reform initiative led by a cross-partisan coalition focused on relegalizing fusion voting to help solve our nation’s polarization problem.

New York City Metropolitan Area

Dave Palmer directed CPD/A’s Voting Rights & Democracy Program, as well as the Justice Partnership. Directed coalition effort in New York State to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act.

Greater New York City Area

Supported follow-up push to achieve One Fair Wage for New York’s hospitality workers following Governor Cuomo’s partial-elimination of the subminimum wage in New York.

New York State

Directed statewide legislative campaign that won comprehensive campaign finance reform with small donor matching. The Brennan Center for Justice has called it "the strongest response enacted anywhere in the country to counter the damage Citizens United has caused to our democracy, and it’s a robust model for other states and the federal government to follow," giving "the rest of the country a roadmap for counteracting the outsized role of wealthy donors in politics."

Greater New York City Area

Directed priority NY campaign to eliminate subminimum wage for tipped workers -- won for nail salon and car wash workers. Supervised affiliates, served as general counsel, and oversaw law & organizing department.

New York, Ny

Spearheaded strategic restructuring of fellows program for greater operational efficiency and external impact. Oversaw roster of 18 fellows and key staff. Led Institute's advocacy work -- partnerships and elected outreach to elevate Institute policies and ideas. Served as chief in-house counsel.

New York State

Led legislative advocacy and policy research shop with innovative partnership with NY Working Families Organization. Directed campaign to pass the New York Power Act. Helped win extension of the “Millionaire’s Tax” and played key role in efforts to pass comprehensive campaign finance reform.

Brooklyn, Ny

Legislative campaign manager for organization’s top policy priorities. Directed campaign to pass Green Jobs/Green New York Act and led initial effort to pass public financing of elections bill and other reforms (passed NYS Assembly). Left to lead key partnering policy and advocacy organization.

Greater New York City Area

Represented clients from environmentally-overburdened communities dealing with contaminated school sites. Won SEQRA litigation against City of NY (upheld by highest court); won NYC commitments for stronger protective measures at contaminated school sites; secured favorable DEC Advisory Opinion; drafted and advocated for school-siting legislation (passed Assembly).

Led organization's effort to pass NYC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act. Organized voter coalition resulting in protection of key provisions of NYC’s campaign finance program and increased funding for elections board. Led coordination of Election Day Monitoring Project – largest voter survey in the country post-Florida 2000. Monitored NYC Board of Elections. Coordinated statewide effort to register more than 50,000 people. Appointed to NYC Elections Board Poll Worker Training Task Force. Coordinated statewide campaigns to secure increased funding for state and city financial aid programs. Instrumental role in passage of Work-Study/Internship Bill, which helps students on public assistance obtain a college degree. Started as campus organizer; taught organizing class (CUNY Queens College). Directed canvass operations (Albany).