Hey Lab/Shul,
I’m Jamie, and I’m a second year student at the Silberman School of Social Work. I am so excited to be Lab/Shul’s Community Organizing intern for this year!
I don’t know about you, but I’m often confused about what election we’re voting in, or what candidates and issues are up for each election. This is something that I’ve struggled with every year that I’ve been eligible to vote. I want to have my voice heard and participate in our democracy, but I haven’t always had the tools necessary to make the most informed decisions possible! This year, I wanted to take matters into my own hands and make sure that I’m adequately prepared for the upcoming General Election in New York City that’s taking place on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021. I wanted to share some of the great resources that I’ve found to keep me informed with you – hopefully it’s helpful.
First, the basics:
Make sure that you know your polling place, and get information that you need to vote based on where you live. Early Voting ends on Sunday 10.31 at 4pm.
In addition to electing candidates on November 2, including the mayor, public advocate, local council leaders and more, there are also a number of Ballot Proposals that you can vote on.
Here’s some helpful information I’ve found (check out Ballotpedia) about the November 2021 Ballot Proposals. Also, be sure to flip your ballot over!
Voting YES on Ballot 1 supports the following changes being made to the redistricting process in New York:
- Changing the vote thresholds for adopting redistricting plans when one political party controls both legislative chambers;
- requiring that incarcerated persons be counted at the place of their last residence for redistricting;
- requiring the state to count residents, including people who are residents but not citizens, should the federal census fail to do so;
- removing the block-on-border requirement for Senate districts;
- capping the number of state senators at 63;
- and moving up the timeline for redistricting and repeal inoperative language.
Voting NO on Ballot 1 opposes the above changes being made to the redistricting process in New York.
Voting YES on Ballot 2 supports creating a state constitutional right to clean air, clean water, and a healthful environment. Voting NO on Ballot 2 opposes creating a state constitutional right to clean air, clean water, and a healthful environment.
Voting YES on Ballot 3 supports authorizing the legislature to pass a law for same-day voter registration. Voting NO on Ballot 3 opposes authorizing the legislature to pass a law for same-day voter registration.
Voting YES on Ballot 4 supports authorizing the legislature to pass a law for no-excuse absentee voting. Voting NO on Ballot 4 opposes authorizing the legislature to pass a law for no-excuse absentee voting.
Voting YES on Ballot 5 supports increasing the New York City Civil Court’s jurisdiction from civil cases involving $25,000 to $50,000. Voting NO on Ballot 5 opposes increasing the New York City Civil Court’s jurisdiction from civil cases involving $25,000 to $50,000.
You can learn more about this year’s Ballot Proposals here!
I’m excited to show up at my polling site a little better informed about what I’m voting for and how I’ll make a difference in New York City. I hope this was helpful to you and to our community – see you on the other side of this election!
Happy Voting,
Jamie Walowitz
