Voting Rights Groups, AG Letitia James & Manhattan BP Levine Urge New Yorkers to Get Out The Early Vote!

NEW YORK, NY (10/23/2024) (readMedia)-- Today, three days before early voting begins in New York, Common Cause/NY and the Let NY Vote coalition joined with Attorney General Letitia James, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Councilmember Lincoln Restler and other voting rights organizations to urge New Yorkers to get out the early vote! The press conference was held outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which thanks to the effort of advocates and lawmakers, is one of many cultural institutions that will be used as an early voting poll site this year. The group also highlighted resources like 1-866-OURVOTE, a free hotline staffed by legal personnel available to assist voters, to combat misinformation about our elections and keep New Yorkers safe leading up to and on Election Day.

Watch a recording of the event here.

"The right to vote is the very foundation of our democracy," said New York Attorney General Letitia James. "All voters deserve to exercise that right free from fear or intimidation. My office has always stepped up to protect New Yorkers' right to vote – from stopping voter intimidation campaigns to offering real time support for every election with our election protection hotline. I thank Common Cause and the Let New York Vote coalition for the partnership, and together, we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure a free and fair election."

"No person should have to choose between their job, taking care of family, or voting. That's why Common Cause/NY and the Let NY Vote coalition fought so hard for Early Voting in New York," said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause New York. "If a person faces any type of issue at their poll site, they should approach any member of our nonpartisan election protection program, or call 866-OUR-VOTE, where a trained professional will help them. Voters should be confident that our elections are safe, secure and transparent. Whether it's early in-person, by mail, absentee, or on Election Day, every New Yorker should make sure they have a plan to make their voice heard!"

Key Dates and Deadlines

1. Early voting begins this Saturday, October 26th, and runs until Sunday, November 3rd. Election Day is November 5th.
2. October 26th is the only day a person can register to vote in person at a poll site and cast their ballot on the same day. This "Golden Day" occurs because advocates fought to change the voter registration deadline from 25 days to 10 days before an election – establishing one day when New Yorkers can register to vote and vote in-person.
3. Voters who cannot vote in-person but want to cast their ballot early can request an early mail or absentee ballot until October 26th. The deadline for receipt of absentee and vote by mail ballots postmarked no later than November 5th is Tuesday, November 12th. For additional details about important election and voting deadlines, visit the State Board of Elections website.

"New Yorkers have nine days to vote early, so I encourage you to get to the polls sometime October 26 – November 3 and cast your vote. This way, you'll beat the Election Day lines and be able to vote on a day that works for your schedule," said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. "Your early voting site is likely different from your Election Day polling site, so double check it online before heading to the polls."

"The best season in New York is election season! Early voting is a fantastic way for voters to make their voice heard and engage in our democracy. In the five years that early voting has been the law in New York, we have greatly expanded voters' access to the democratic system, and I am so excited to continue that tradition this year. I encourage everyone who can, to get out and vote, and to vote early. We are taking action today to ensure that voting is safe, secure, and transparent, and I'm grateful to Common Cause/NY and the Let NY Vote coalition for getting volunteers out to answer voters' questions and inform the public of their rights. Get out and vote by November 5th!" said NYC Council Member Keith Powers.

"Educational Alliance is pleased to champion this initiative that encourages all eligible New Yorkers to vote," said Rich Baum, President and CEO of Educational Alliance. "Since our earliest days, EA has recognized the importance of civic participation as a means of building community and safeguarding our democratic process. When New Yorkers of all backgrounds are able to see themselves represented in a thriving democracy, in which they can make their voices heard, only then will they be able to reach their full potential."

"Election protection is about safeguarding the integrity of our democracy and ensuring that the voices of historically marginalized communities, like ours, are heard. Without fair and equal access to the ballot box, minority communities remain vulnerable to suppression, and their vital perspectives on justice, equality, and policy are silenced and participation in democracy is compromised. Programs like Election Protection ensure that they are not missing out on a key aspect of participating in free and fair elections," said Heba Khalil, Executive Director for the New York Metro Chapter, Emgage.

"Latino voters will be a decisive force in this election. With Latinos projected to represent 14.7% of all eligible voters in November 2024, our collective voice has the power to shape the future. The NALEO Educational Fund estimates that over 17.5 million Latinos nationwide will head to the polls, including nearly one million here in New York. Our community's participation can truly make a difference. I urge all Latinos to plan ahead and make their voices heard on November 5th. Early voting will be available from October 26 to November 3. Together, let's build the future we want," said Eddie Cuesta, Executive Director, Dominicanos USA (DUSA).

"United Neighborhood Houses understands the importance of voting. Settlement houses have worked with their communities to engage in the electoral process since they were founded over a century ago." said Lena Cohen, Senior Manager of Civic Engagement, United Neighborhood Houses (UNH). "We believe the public should be given every opportunity to make their voices heard. Early voting is one of the most significant ways to ensure this is possible. We are proud to partner with other organizations such as Common Cause, who share our values, and work to ensure as many individuals as possible understand the process and have the ability to vote."

"Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial group in New York and the United States and a critical electorate in this upcoming election. By mobilizing and engaging with Asian American communities, we aim to amplify their voices and ensure they are represented in the decisions that affect their lives. CPC is proud to stand with partner organizations across the State that made voting accessible for all New Yorkers, equipping voters with the knowledge and resources they need to exercise their rights safely and confidently during early voting and on Election Day," said Wayne Ho, President & CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC).

"Black voters will, once again, be decisive in this election," said Lisa Leid, Voting Rights Coordinator at the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College. "Our communities fought hard for early voting because no one should have to choose between voting and their jobs, caring for family or other obligations. Thanks to those efforts, we can now vote early from this Saturday, October 26 until Sunday November 3 - but the final day to cast your vote in person is Tuesday, November 5. So please take advantage of this time to make a vote plan, vote early and make your voice heard. And don't forget to make sure your family and friends make it to the polls to cast their ballot. This is time for all of us to protect our futures with our vote!"

"New York is ready for the 2024 election. Across the state New Yorkers are about to take advantage of early voting. Along with voting by mail, absentee voting, and voting on Election Day, New Yorkers have options that make it easier to participate in our democracy. No one should have to choose between voting and fulfilling obligations to work and family. The choices for New York voters make it easier for people to vote despite any transportation or accessibility needs. And if they encounter any obstacles while voting, the Election Protection hotline is there to help," said Celina Avalos Jaramillo, Advocacy Campaign Strategist at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.

"Early voting is not just a convenience; it's a powerful opportunity for our communities to make their voices heard," said Lourdes M. Rosado, President and General Counsel at LatinoJustice PRLDEF. "We encourage all, especially in our Latino community to vote early to empower ourselves and ensure that our priorities are represented."

"The Asian American community is at a pivotal moment this election year. Our report, APA VOICE Driving Progress: A Decade of Civic Impact for New York's Asian American Communities, reveals that the number of registered Asian American voters has nearly doubled in the last 11 years. However, our voter turnout still lags behind the overall population-with significant gaps among young and low-income voters. For over a decade, APA VOICE has been leading efforts to organize our community, offering essential resources and support to ensure voters can exercise their rights. We've made significant progress in areas like voter education, language access, and election protection. This year, we are ramping up our outreach to ensure that every Asian American voter in the state is informed, empowered, and safeguarded with new resources and programming such as APA VOICE Youth Voter Fest and Beyond Voting, a policy handbook. The Asian American vote is a powerful catalyst for change. Let's unite, amplify our voices, and create the future our communities deserve," said Huanjie Li, Organizer & Community Engagement Manager at the MinKwon Center for Community Action.

"Early voting is crucial for New Yorkers as it ensures greater access to the democratic process. By offering flexibility, it accommodates individuals who may face scheduling conflicts or unexpected barriers on Election Day. It helps reduce long lines, promotes informed decision-making, and ensures voters don't have to make tough decisions to cast their ballot. Make a plan to vote and vote early," said Erica Smitka, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of New York State.

Election Protection

The group also launched the 2024 statewide nonpartisan election protection program. The effort is a redux of Common Cause/NY's 2016 and 2020 Election Protection programs, and will deploy hundreds of volunteers to serve as poll monitors who can assist voters with urgent questions, protect voting rights, and make voters have the most accurate information.

Volunteers will be stationed at poll sites throughout NYC and across the state. Digital poll monitors will be searching social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to assist voters in real time. These nonpartisan Election Protection monitors are trained volunteers who can answer any questions that voters have and will be there to observe for any potential issues voters encounter. Learn more here.

To combat misinformation about our elections, the New York State Board of Elections will continue to share important updates about upcoming deadlines and accurate information about how our elections are safe and secure. To keep up with the latest, most factual information, New Yorkers should check the New York State Board of Elections social channels and follow on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for the most timely updates. New York City residents can get up to date election information from the New York City Board of Elections at www.vote.nyc and by following the NYC Board on X (formerly Twitter).

Common Cause/NY also encourages all New Yorkers to familiarize themselves with their rights before Election Day, and to report any misconduct they see to 886-OUR-VOTE, a national election protection hotline. Here's what to know:

• Trusted election officials verify each ballot to ensure that every vote is counted. Our election system is safe and secure and follows the law.
• When in doubt, call 1-866-OURVOTE: a free hotline of legal personnel can talk you through it. Spanish, Arabic and Asian languages support are also available via the Election Protection website.
• New Yorkers can also refer election-related problems to the Attorney General's hotline at (866) 390-2992, or submit a complaint online to request assistance. The hotline will be open between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM during early voting and between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. The hotline will also be available on the day before and after Election Day between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Written requests for assistance may be submitted at any time through the online complaint form. Hotline calls and written requests for assistance are processed by OAG attorneys and staff.
• Voters can expect to know the final results in the weeks following Election Day. Election night results will include all ballots cast on Election Day and during early voting, as well as valid absentee and vote by mail ballots that have been received throughout early voting. However, election night results are not complete. The deadline for receipt of absentee and vote by mail ballots postmarked no later than November 5th is Tuesday, November 12th. These ballots will continue to be counted as they are received.