Broad Coalition Of Advocates Rally To "Get Out The Early Vote" Ahead Of Early Voting Start

NEW CITY, NY (10/22/2026) (readMedia)-- Just two days before the start of early voting, a coalition of voting rights and election advocates, immigrant rights groups, labor unions, faith leaders and more rallied in Rockland County to get out the early vote and highlight efforts to protect voters at the polls. Throughout early voting and on Election Day, the statewide nonpartisan Election Protection program will deploy hundreds of trained poll monitors across the state to observe the voting process and assist voters in multiple languages with any questions or concerns.

Watch a recording of the event here.

Despite disinformation about the voting process, nothing has changed for voters and New Yorkers still have three ways to vote: by mail, in person during early voting, or on Election Day. Early voting begins Saturday, October 24, and runs through Sunday, November 1. The first day of early voting is a "Golden Day," and the only day that New Yorkers can register to vote and cast their ballots on the same day. To find more information on where and when to vote early, visit www.voteearlyny.org.

"The NAACP, the oldest and boldest organization fighting for voting rights, is bringing New Yorkers from all walks of life across the Hudson Valley together - not only to vote early, but also to show what it looks like when a community shows up and stands up. Because when we fight, we win!" said Nicole Hines, NAACP Hudson Valley Regional Director.

Voters are encouraged to make a plan to vote and take advantage of early voting in person or by mail. Voting early allows New Yorkers to vote on their own schedule, gives them more time to address any potential registration issues, and avoid the lines on Election Day. Any registered voter can request a mail ballot online or by mail until October 24, or in-person at their county Board of Elections until November 2. Mail ballots must be postmarked by November 3 and received by November 10. If voters prefer to vote on Election Day, polls will be open from 6:00AM to 9:00PM. For additional details about important election and voting deadlines, visit the State Board of Elections website or Rockland County Board of Elections website. Any voters unsure of whether they are already registered can check their registration status online here.

Ahead of early voting, the Election Protection coalition has hosted dozens of training sessions for volunteers across the state in recent weeks. Poll monitors will be deployed statewide, including in Rockland County, New York City, and Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Onondaga, Clinton, Jefferson, Erie, Dutchess, Columbia, Cortland, Oneida, and Broome counties. Monitors will be available to help voters understand the process, observe for any misconduct, and answer any questions from voters.

Voters who run into any issues or witness any misconduct are encouraged to call the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline, where trained legal personnel can answer any questions. Spanish, Arabic and Asian languages support are also available via the Election Protection website. Additional language support is available at the following numbers:

• 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) – Spanish language hotline
• 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) – Arabic language hotline
• 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) – Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bangla, Hindi, Urdu and Tagalog hotline
• 301-818-VOTE (301-818-8683) – American Sign Language video call number

"Protecting Medicaid and home care ultimately depends on a functioning democracy where votes count and constituents can safely cast them. New Yorkers with a relationship to home care are the exact populations most at risk of being pushed out of the electorate: immigrant workers wary of ICE activity at polling sites, and older and disabled New Yorkers who already face access barriers to voting. We are urging everyone to vote and to vote early to ensure the will of the people is heard at the ballot box this year!" said Ilana Berger, NY Caring Majority, Political Director.

"Every New Yorker deserves to have their voice heard and their vote counted. With early voting just around the corner, we're urging every voter to make a plan, know their options, and turn to trusted, nonpartisan resources like VOTE411.org for accurate information. Democracy is strongest when everyone can participate freely and confidently. Make a plan, make your voice heard, and if you encounter a problem while voting, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE," said Gayle Struble, Co-President, League of Women Voters of Rockland County.

"Democracy does not defend itself. It takes everyday people standing up, speaking out, and demanding that their voices be heard. Across the Hudson Valley, too many communities have spent generations fighting to have their voice heard, only to watch decisions about their lives get made behind closed doors. We cannot afford a democracy where some voices matter more than others, where intimidation replaces participation, or where anyone is made to feel powerless. As we approach the 2026 midterm elections, our responsibility is clear: protect every eligible voter's rights, confront intimidation, ensure every ballot is counted, and defend the right of our communities to participate in shaping our futures. Democracy is not something we inherit and take for granted; it is something we must continually protect through our participation," said Isaiah Fenichel, Lead Campaign Coordinator at Citizen Action of New York.

"Exercising your right to vote is your civic duty but most importantly, it's your responsibility and commitment to your community. When you vote, you are not only contributing to the kind of life and future we will continue to live as a collective, but also the world we will leave behind for upcoming generations. Whether you're voting to protect our democracy, to protect our immigrant communities, or to continue fighting for housing and economic justice, make a plan and get out to vote!" said Aura Lopez Zarate, Community Voices Heard Hudson Valley Lead Organizer.