We are just weeks away from going to the polls to vote in the general election. Election Day is November 2, 2021. The following post is intended to guide City Tech students through the voting process, and to inform them of their voting rights.
Can I vote?
In order to register to vote you must:
- be a United States citizen;
- be 18 years old;
- resident of this State and the county, city or village for at least 30 days before the election;
- not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction;
- not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; and
- not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
New York residents can register to vote by visiting this website. [However, the deadline has passed to register in time for the upcoming election in November.]
If you think you may have already registered to vote, you can check your voter registration status online, or by calling the Board of Elections at 866-868-3692.
How do I vote?
All New Yorkers have three ways to vote in the 2021 primary elections.
- Early Voting: Vote in-person from October 23 – October 31. Your Early Voting site may be different from your Election Day poll site, so make sure to check before you go.
- Vote by Mail: All registered voters also have the option to vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot. The deadline is October 18.
- Election Day: All registered voters can vote in-person on November 2. Find your Election Day poll site here
What’s on the ballot?
For the 2021 general election there are candidates for:
- Mayor
- Comptroller
- Public Advocate
- City Council – 35 of 51 seats
- Borough President – Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island
- District Attorney – Brooklyn and Manhattan
In addition there are five ballot measures regarding proposed changes to the New York State Constitution. Voters will vote “Yes” or “No” on each of these proposals. If a majority of New Yorkers vote “Yes,” then these changes will go into effect.
Proposals at a glance
Question 1: The Redistricting Process
This proposal would reform the redistricting process that determines representation across the state. Proposal Details
Question 2: Right to Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthful Environment
This proposal would provide the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthful environment to all New Yorkers. Proposal Details
Question 3: Same-Day Voter Registration
This proposal would allow the State Legislature to pass new laws that give New Yorkers more time to register to vote. Proposal Details
Question 4: No-Excuse Absentee Voting
This proposal would allow the State Legislature to pass new laws that give more New Yorkers the option to vote by mail without providing an excuse. Proposal Details
Question 5: Jurisdiction of the New York City Civil Court
This proposal would allow NYC Civil Courts to hear and decide claims up to $50,000 instead of $25,000. Proposal Details
Where do I vote?
You can find your Election Day polling place here. You can also call 866-VOTE-NYC, or email vote@boe.nyc.ny.us with your complete home address and a request for your poll location. All polling locations are open from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m on November 2nd.
What are my rights?
At your poll site you have the right to:
- Ask a poll worker for help
- Use an interpreter if you need language assistance
- Bring any voting materials with you
- Vote even if the voting machine is broken
- Vote by affidavit ballot if your name is missing from the list of voters at your polling site
- Not show an ID if you are not a first time voter
What if I have problems?
Voters who experience discrimination or other barriers to registration and voting can contact the Civil Rights Bureau of the New York State Attorney General’s Office at (212) 416-8250 or email civil.rights@ag.ny.gov.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, these organizations may be able to help.
New York City Board of Elections https://www.vote.nyc/ or 866-VOTE-NYC
New York State Board of Elections: https://www.elections.ny.gov/
League of Women Voters Vote: 411 https://www.vote411.org/ or 212-725-3541
NYC Votes: www.voting.nyc
