A lefty nonprofit is encouraging Democrats to vote in the districts where their vacation homes are in order to “maximize” their voting power — a “morally reprehensible” strategy experts said gives an unfair advantage to the rich and motivated.
Even if it “feels weird” or people are invested in politics at home, MoveIndigo needs “all hands on deck in the most competitive districts,” according to a letter received by NYC residents.
It cited New York election law that states voters can choose which residence to which they have a “legitimate, significant and continuing attachment” when deciding to vote.
Though legal, “residence hopping” can compromise “trust and integrity in elections,” according to Brian Browne, an adjunct political science professor at St. John’s University.
It gives “an unfair advantage to voters with more mobility, money and motivation” — especially in a close election, he added.
A Manhattan voter who recently received the letter was disturbed by it. “The idea that weekenders could go influence an election is morally reprehensible,” she told The Post.
Democrats can even vote for City Council and then re-register for federal elections, MoveIndigo noted.
“The law is clear on that there can’t be any aura of sham, and routinely switching registration would raise that risk,” warned election law attorney Aaron Foldenauer.
He called the MoveIndigo efforts “unprecedented.”
The group, which pulled $210,900 in contributions in the first half of 2024 and gets thousands of dollars from ActBlue, according to tax filings, has its sights set on districts including New York’s 17th, 18th and 19th, which span from Westchester to the Finger Lakes.
In NY-17, Democrat Mondaire Jones is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Michael Lawler. In NY-18, Democratic incumbent Rep. Pat Ryan is facing former NYPD Deputy Inspector Alison Esposito.
The congressional seat in NY-19 was flipped in a tight midterm election and Rep. Marc Molinaro faces a rematch against Democrat Josh Riley in November.
Nationally, MoveIndigo helps Democrats looking to relocate by recommending places to move to based on where their vote will have the most impact. “We only propose places that are considered toss-ups,” the site says.
The group did not immediately respond to questions from The Post.
