Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams released the following statement in observation of National Voter Registration Day as the deadline to register to vote in New York in time for the 2020 general election, October 9, approaches.
"It's possible that there has never been a more important time for people to stand up, to make their voices heard and their vote count, to do their part to make the government reflective of and responsive to the needs of themselves and their communities. On National Voter Registration Day, that obligation is a call to action.
"With just over two weeks left to register in New York State in time to vote in the November election, I want to urge New Yorkers to not only register themselves, but to share information and resources with their friends and family, each of us expanding our own civic footprint to strengthen our democracy.
"Attacks on voting rights, particularly against Black and Brown voters, are not only in our history but in our headlines as old tactics see new victories - and we must stand against these efforts individually and systemically. Our government has a responsibility to make both registration and voting as accessible as possible for all neighborhoods, to protect and expand the right, and each of us has a responsibility to exercise that right to shape our government with our votes."
The Public Advocate has partnered with the nonpartisan organization HeadCount to help engage and register voters through the 'United with Vote NYC' campaign. New Yorkers can start to register to vote at HeadCount.org/UWVNYC or by texting VOTER UWV to 40649.
More information on registration and voting resources are available here.