Early voting for the general election runs through Sunday in New York City, and over 200,000 New Yorkers have already cast their ballots– ahead of the 2021 early voting numbers, but well behind 2020. With only a few days before Election Day on November 8, Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams is encouraging New Yorkers to vote early and to flip the ballot to weigh in on critical racial justice proposals. Find your early voting site and operating hours here.
“It’s possible there’s never been a more important time to make our voices heard with our votes,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “The three citywide proposals on the ballot this November could make a real, direct, tangible difference in how our city takes on systemic injustices, but New Yorkers need to show up and vote on them. I’ll be voting early, and I hope that my fellow New Yorkers join me in taking part in the electoral process. When you go to the polls, remember to flip the ballot!”
Yesterday, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams joined Racial Justice Commissioner Yesenia Mata on Staten Island to engage with New Yorkers at the St George Ferry Terminal and spread awareness about three upcoming ballot proposals. They were joined by advocates from the Staten Island National Council of Negro Women, La Colmena, the Staten Island Branch of the NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated Staten Island Alumnae Chapter, Staten Island Center for Independent Living, Harriet Tubman Purple Hats Society, as well as Tatiana Arguello, Public Administrator Edwina Martin, and former Council Member Debi Rose.
This election, New York City voters will vote on three proposals that aim to address structural injustices, eliminate barriers, and promote racial equity. The first would add a statement of values to the charter to help guide city government's purpose, mandate, and actions. The second would establish an ongoing Racial Equity Office, Plan, and Commission. The final measure would require the City to create a “true cost of living” measure to track how much the actual cost in New York City of meeting essential needs which include food, childcare, housing.
In addition the three citywide racial justice proposals, a statewide proposal will also be on the ballot, which aims to address and combat the impact of climate change and damage to the environment, by approving the "Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.”
The Public Advocate previously encouraged New Yorkers to “flip the ballot” and vote on the ballot proposals during a hearing of the City Council Committee on Civil and Human Rights. His statement from that hearing can be viewed here.
“From Staten Island to the Bronx, we are reaching New Yorkers from all walks of life with leaders like the Public Advocate Jumaane Williams to promote democracy by informing voters about the three racial justice proposals on the ballot that are intended to reduce barriers and promote racial equity. This is the first time in the city and nation that racial justice proposals are on the ballot, and New Yorkers get to choose! New Yorkers have a historic opportunity to help decide the future of our city, which is why we need every voter to ‘Flip the Ballot’ this Election and not leave those questions unanswered,” said Jennifer Jones Austin, Chair of the Racial Justice Commission.