The Institute advises the public, organizations, and government officials on best practices and strategies on federal, state, and local redistricting processes and on ensuring an accurate census count of all New Yorkers. It also serves as a "New York State hub," providing information, assistance, and guidance on current activity in Albany, New York City, and across the state through a weekly newsletter.

The Institute partners with organizations involved with redistricting to provide them with technical guidance and assistance on the law, legislative process, and mapping. It also offers briefings, educational materials, and training to members of the U.S. Congress, State Legislature, local governments, the media, and organizations on all aspects of redistricting, voting rights, the census, and state election law issues. As the state begins implementing the John R. Lewis state voting rights act, the Institute provides training and assistance to local governments and to advocates on how to work with the state's new "preclearance" rules and on how to address minority vote dilution situations. The Institute also provides information and training on the census with a focus on preparing for the 2030 census, responding to the "American Community Survey," and ensuring census address list accuracy.

In addition, the Institute partners with Redistricting Online and the National Conference of State Legislatures to report on national redistricting activity. It also engages in related public policy developments affecting voting and elections across the state, especially as ranked-choice voting and similarly impactful election reforms are considered by the state and localities.

Adjunct Professor and Senior Fellow Jeffrey M. Wice, a national census expert and preeminent authority on New York redistricting, leads the Institute’s legal and policy efforts, supported by NYLS students.