The end-of-year electoral atmosphere has already begun to heat up, and while candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump continue their campaigns for the Presidency, civic groups and community organizations in the Big Apple are joining forces in their call for new voters to register to go to the polls next November.
In addition to the national race for the White House, in New York politicians from various districts and affiliations have launched all kinds of strategies to convince the electorate in their neighborhoods that they are the best option to represent them as congressmen in Washington, with seats that will influence party control in the Legislature.
And as a way to ensure that more voters go to the polls to exercise their right to vote in the November general elections, this Tuesday, as part of National Voter Registration Day, an army of voter recruiters took to the streets of several counties in the city to motivate new voters to register. The deadline for those wishing to vote to register is just around the corner: October 26th is the closing date for registration platforms.
In places like Washington Square Park, taking advantage of the presence of university students who move around that side of Manhattan from very early on and as if it were a bazaar, dozens of volunteers from different organizations spoke to passersby urging them to fill out registration forms to join the democratic event. The message is that no matter who New Yorkers cast their vote for, they must join the end-of-year election campaign to be able to demonstrate.
This was confirmed by Angélica Peralta, who was at the fair in Manhattan and stressed the importance of voters from immigrant communities mobilizing around the elections and asserting their right to vote.
“As a Dominican American, it is very important for me to know that we have a right that we need to use because a vote can make a difference. We cannot stand aside and not use a right that we have,” said the young woman. “All of us who can must register to make changes. It doesn’t matter who we vote for, we have to go out and vote and not leave it for later.”
José Lincoln Medina, originally from Puerto Rico, was also present at the event where dozens of young people, mostly, registered for the elections, and he stressed that not only the new generations should use the vote but also all those citizens who have never exercised the right.
“I had never voted until I registered for the last election and I know many Latinos who believe that it is not worth going out to vote, but it is a mistake to think that way and we can correct it by registering to vote, not only for presidential issues but for local issues that benefit us and affect us,” said the father.
The NYC Votes campaign, an initiative of the New York City Campaign Finance Board, which promoted the event and other neighborhood gatherings where it provided information, stressed that these events are aimed at breaking down barriers that make it difficult for New Yorkers to vote and equipping eligible voters with the resources they need to participate in local democracy.
“This November is an opportunity to improve our voting culture in New York City, with so many critical issues important to New Yorkers, including equal rights, on the ballot,” said Timothy Hunter, spokesperson for the New York City Campaign Finance Board. “When more New Yorkers get involved – by voting, spreading the word, and running for office – we get closer to truly representative government.”
Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, warned that this election cycle has shown how important it is for working-class and immigrant New Yorkers to make their voices heard at the ballot box, and he urged voters not to sit back.
“Our communities face unique challenges, from the need for meaningful immigration reform to the economic problems facing every American. With less than 50 days until Election Day, the stakes could not be higher. Every vote counts,” said the activist, noting that the election results will also have an impact at the state level.
“It is critical that eligible voters take action now: register to vote and make a voting plan. By doing so, we help ensure that New York remains a place where everyone can thrive and where all voices are represented in the halls of our government, from Albany to Congress,” the immigrant advocate added.
Theo Oshiro, co-executive director of Make the Road New York, also said that the stakes of the election are high and that in addition to registering to vote, voters must ensure that their right is protected.
“Today is a special day for voter engagement efforts across the country. Over the years, we have helped thousands of American citizens in our neighborhoods across New York State register to vote. It is critical for our communities,” Oshiro said. “Particularly for members of the immigrant community who are citizens, who are often underregistered and underrepresented, to ensure that they are registered and that their information is up to date so that they can exercise their right to vote. More than ever, it is important for our communities to demand respect and dignity at the polls this November.”
Yesenia Mata, director of the organization La Colmena de Staten Island, expressed the same sentiment and stated that for the immigrant community there is a greater sense of urgency, so those who are already eligible to vote should step forward and join the electoral process in November.
“This year’s elections are crucial, with the issue of immigration at the center of attention. Voting is a privilege, and although some of our loved ones do not have the right to vote due to their immigration status, many of us do. We must use our vote to represent them in this election, because our voices are their voices,” said the community leader.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined the call of organizations across New York and asked eligible voters to register and request information if they have questions, taking advantage of different communication sources that are available. In her message, the state governor encouraged all eligible New Yorkers to register to vote so that they can make their voices heard.
“National Voter Registration Day is an important opportunity to encourage participation in our democracy. Our democratic institutions are only as strong as the voters who participate in them, and I encourage all eligible New Yorkers to make their voices heard,” the Governor concluded.
Important data
- October 26th is the deadline to register to vote
- November 5th is the general election
- In addition to the President, New Yorkers will elect representatives from several congressional districts.
- Early voting will take place from October 26 to November 3.
- Voters can visit https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ to find their early and Election Day voting locations.
- If voters need an absentee ballot or an early mail-in ballot, they can request one online, by mail, or in person at their county Board of Elections.
- Anyone with questions may contact the New York State Board of Elections at info@elections.ny.gov or (518) 474-1953.
- Voters who are unsure whether they are already registered to vote can check their registration status at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/.
- New Yorkers can visit the New York State Board of Elections online at https://elections.ny.gov/ to find information
- Eligible New Yorkers can register to vote online, in person, or by mail. Information about voter registration eligibility requirements, as well as links to the online voter registration portal and downloadable registration forms, can be found on the State Board of Elections website.
- To be eligible to vote in the November 5 general election, eligible New Yorkers must register to vote by October 26.