Common Cause/NY and Rock the Vote Launch Generation Vote

Voter registration drive targeting NYC millennials + a nonpartisan video voter guide

NEW YORK, NY (08/14/2017) (readMedia)-- New York-Today, Common Cause/NY and Rock the Vote announced a citywide millennial voter registration initiative. Volunteers from Generation Vote (GenVote) have been and will be at highly-trafficked locations throughout the five boroughs in order to register as many young people as possible. The full list of upcoming locations and times are below.

Additionally, Common Cause/NY and Rock the Vote are creating a nonpartisan video voter guide for the upcoming New York City elections. Rock the Vote launched a similar campaign in Los Angeles, California this past March, and most recently in Detroit. All candidates running for Mayor, City Council, and Kings County District Attorney will have the opportunity to submit a short video and complete the questionnaire, which focuses on issues ranging from affordable housing, combating discrimination, and wrongful convictions.

Read the questionnaire here: https://www.rockthevote.com/candidates/new-york/

"It is crucial to make sure young New Yorkers are not only registered to vote, but know who's on the ballot. A successful democracy requires maximum participation. Young voters are key members of their communities and should have a say in the outcome of elections," said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY.

"Young voters in New York City have the power to determine how our communities move into the future. We must elect leaders to influence the issues important to us, especially on the local level. We're proud to have created a space where candidates can speak directly to new voters in New York," said Shaneice Simmons, Rock the Vote's Civic Engagement Manager.

Location and times of voter registration:

August 14, 6:30-8pm at 25 Waterside Plaza; Summer Event Series

August 16, 6:30- 8:30pm at Summer on the Hudson Film, Pier 1, Riverside Park South @ 70th St.

August 26, 5-9pm at 5th Ave b/w Dean & Sterling Place; Summer Strolls

August 29, 2-5pm at 100 Avenue of Americas; Brooklyn Flea Soho

September 5, 6-8pm at Common Cause office 80 Broad Street (Phone Banking)

September 7, 6-8pm at Common Cause office 80 Broad Street (Phone Banking)

September 7, Brooklyn DA Debate at Medgar Evers College 1650 Bedford Ave. Brooklyn

September 17, 11am-6pm at 44th St to 59th St, 5th Ave; Street Festival

September 23, 9:30am-12pm at Cook Street & Graham Ave. Brooklyn; Farmers Market

September 30, 9:30am-12pm at Cook Street & Graham Ave. Brooklyn; Farmers Market

October 7, 9:30am-12pm at Cook Street & Graham Ave. Brooklyn; Farmers Market

October 28, 9:30am-12pm at Cook Street & Graham Ave. Brooklyn; Farmers Market

Background

New York State consistently ranks one of the lowest (number 41) in voter turnout in the nation. In the 2016 election, around 57% of the voting eligible population cast ballots. Common Cause/NY has been fighting for easier elections in New York State. New York currently does not allow early voting, automatic voter registration, or same day voter registration. These hurdles prevent many un-registered people from registering to vote.

The voter guide consists of succinct candidate responses to questions addressing issues most important to young New Yorkers, including transportation, affordable housing, and immigration reform. Additionally, the voter guide includes short videos where candidates can introduce themselves directly and talk about why they are running for local office.