ICYMI: The Future of New York Depends on YOU.

• Complete the Census TODAY. If you haven’t already completed the census, you can view the questions ahead of time so you know what to expect, and share with your family and friends who may have concerns about what will be asked.

• Get the word out in your networks by sharing the WCC 2020 Census page. Feel free to share the post below on your social media channels to encourage participation: “It is not too late to respond to the 2020 Census. Census data is used to determine funding for schools, housing, health care systems, and so much more! Learn more about the 2020 Census here: https://wccny.org/census2020/“

In this unprecedented year—with a pandemic upending healthcare, elections, and educational systems around the globe—there are many ways to ensure your voice is heard. What is your plan for voting on or before November 3rd? There are three main options for New Yorkers—select the one that feels most comfortable for you and spread the word that voting is safe and more important than ever.

Absentee Voting: Request Ballot by October 27th

Review the absentee ballot application and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for voting by absentee. Fill out the application completely and submit the request to your local election office by Tuesday, October 27th at the latest. When your ballot arrives, read it carefully and follow the instructions to complete and return it (and remember a stamp!). You can track your absentee ballot here.

• Too late to return your ballot by mail? You can drop it off at any polling place within your county of residence on Election Day.

• Attention Brooklyn voters! If you received a ballot envelope listing the wrong person, do not return your ballot. Instead, wait to receive a corrected absentee ballot packet and instructions, according to the New York City Board of Elections.

• Mistakes to avoid: Here are seven common mistakes to avoid when casting your absentee ballot.

Early Voting: October 24th to November 1st  

If you’re concerned about long lines on Election Day, you can cast your ballot early—from October 24th to November 1st.

• Find your poll site here. Please be aware that some early voting poll sites are different from Election Day poll sites.

• Provisional ballot: If poll workers cannot locate your registration, you are entitled to vote by provisional ballot, which can be checked against the statewide registry to confirm your registration. Always ask poll workers to double check the poll book for your name.

In-Person Voting on Election Day: November 3rd 

The New York Board of Elections is working to ensure that all polling sites will be as clean and safe as possible, and the CDC has issued guidelines for election polling locations. Be sure to wear your mask and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces to stay healthy when voting.

• Here is what to expect at the poll site. If you make a mistake, you can request up to three ballots.

• Voter intimidation: If you experience voter intimidation, you can call The Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-888-VE-Y-VOTA en Español). Be sure to alert local and state officials, including poll workers, your county clerk, elections commissioner, elections supervisor, or your state Board of Elections.

• Sign up to get out the vote with the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) and help share information about voter registration, vote by mail, and early voting. Join NYIC in mobilizing voters through phone and text banks!

Do you have a voting plan?
Let’s make our voices heard during this unprecedented election and help raise awareness about the different ways New Yorkers can exercise their right to vote.

• How will you be casting your ballot — absentee, early, or in person on election day?
• Where and when will you vote?
• Post on your own social media channels and tag WCC, or share your voting plan with us at info@wccny.org and we’ll share it on our platforms.

Be sure to include a photo of yourself holding up a sign that says “I vote because…” Your sign could say “I vote because our future depends on it,” or “I vote because I believe in democracy.”

On September 16th, WCC participated in the OCOV Day of Action to encourage New York City Council Member to immediately schedule a hearing and pass this crucial piece of legislation.

Learn more about the legislation and its impact here. 

• Encourage your elected officials to support the campaign and legislation through this fast and easy tool that emails your Council Member directly.

• Contact your Council Member and ask them to schedule a hearing.

The discussion featured candidates for elected office in New York City: Ischia Bravo, candidate for City Council District 15; Pierina Sanchez, candidate for City Council District 14; Nathalia Fernandez, candidate for Bronx Borough President; and Dianne Morales, candidate for New York City Mayor. They discussed the challenges of fundraising requirements, the issues they care about, and their motivations for participating in the political landscape. The panelists encouraged people to get involved in all areas of civic life.  You can check out the event here.