In collaboration with ANIMALNewYork.com, we at the Public Advocate Bill de Blasio’s Office are working hard to ensure voters voices are heard in the upcoming Presidential Election.
Not many people know that New York City has one of the worst voter participation rates in the nation - especially among young voters:
In the 2009 Mayoral election, fewer than 4 percent of eligible 18-29 year old voters cast ballots. Even in the 2008 Presidential Election – a high point for youth turnout – fewer than 17 percent of the same age group voted in NYC.
A huge impediment to voting in NYC is the widespread confusion many New Yorkers have about poll locations and voting procedures. Our joint effort with ANIMALNewYork.com seeks to help rectify this problem. We will distribute thousands of posters across the city clarifying exactly how to register, how to locate your polling station, and how to ensure your ballot is properly cast at the polls.
Did you know? -
- You are entitled to up to two paid hours off of work to vote if polls are not open for four consecutive hours before or after your work day, provided you notify employers.
- You should receive a mailed reminder informing you when and where to vote.
- You have until October 12 to register to vote in this year’s general election.
- If you have recently moved within NYC, you can vote at your new poll site with an Affidavit Ballot, even if you have not updated your registration.
- If your name is misspelled on the voter rolls or you recently changed your name, you are still allowed to vote using the standard ballot and machine.
- If your name is not on the voter rolls, you can still vote using an Affidavit Ballot.
- Only some first-time voters are required to present I.D. at poll sites if they didn’t submit the needed information when they registered.
- You can request an absentee ballot be mailed to you if you are unable to vote in person.
- Voters with disabilities are entitled to assistance from poll site staff, as are non-English speakers.
- You cannot be prevented from voting if you accidentally wear campaign paraphernalia at a polling site, but you should remove or cover it as instructed by poll workers.
You can find a copy of our poster and additional voting resources at our online hub http://nycvoting.com. The poster will be distributed in the upcoming weeks in partnership with a series of civic organizations and elected officials.
If you have any questions or would like to request copies of our poster please don’t hesitate to reach out at abaker@pubadvocate.nyc.gov
Thank You!
