Spread the word: Early voting in N.Y. starts Saturday
In the 2018 election amid historically high turnout nationwide, New York’s voter participation rate ranked 42nd of 50 states.
Anyone else find this embarrassing?
The future of our nation’s democracy is at stake nearly every time our president tweets. What more motivation do we need?
This defies our state’s legacy as the birthplace of almost every significant social justice and equal rights movement, including women’s suffrage — when in 1917 New York women won the right to vote three years ahead of the nation.
The lack of participation by our electorate is disheartening. It dishonors the courageous New Yorkers who fought these battles more than a century ago, as well as those who fought battles on foreign soil to defend our rights and freedoms.
But finally, our state is poised to erase this blot on our reputation as the beacon of progressivism.
Beginning Saturday, for the first time in state history, New Yorkers will be able to vote early — you now have an additional 10 full days before Election Day to cast your ballot.
I understand why people who intend to vote sometimes just can’t get to a polling place before the clock magically strikes 9 p.m. on Election Day.
As a working mom, I’m well aware of the challenges women encounter when trying to find time on just one day to cast their vote. Getting the kids off
to school, going to work, assisting with homework, attending a soccer game, or perhaps visiting an aging parent — and all of a sudden Election Day is over.
By opening polling places 10 days before Election Day — that’s two weekends and six weekdays — people can vote when it works for them.
That’s how voting should be — easy and convenient for all to cast their ballots and make their voices heard. Because it’s more than electing our leaders. It allows all of us to participate in meaningful and substantive change in our communities.
Sadly, our local elections are often overlooked, ignored and dogged by low turnout among voters. As someone who started in public service on my local Town Board, I know firsthand how much these offices play a major role in our day-to-day lives.
County executives, town boards, supervisors, mayors, sheriffs, and local judges all have a direct impact on our neighborhoods and the future of our communities. These are the offices up for election in November, and we should treat these elections with just as much importance as presidential or congressional races. Now, there is simply no excuse to stay home.
Because this is new and changes a centuries-old tradition, we need people to help spread the word about early voting starting Saturday, whether it’s on social media or sending a reminder text message to friends and family.
That’s what this is all about at the end of the day — making voting easier so that more New Yorkers can participate in our democracy. Take advantage of this historic change, shape the future, and make sure your voice is heard. And if that isn’t enough — know that you have a unique responsibility and historic legacy to uphold. The time is now.