Since 2012, the fourth Tuesday of September has been designated as National Voter Registration Day to help encourage Americans around the country to get out and register to vote in the annual November general elections. Here is some helpful information on how to make your voice heard in this year’s election:
YES! In 1984, Coalition for the Homeless filed the lawsuit Pitts v. Black, which guaranteed the right to vote for homeless New Yorkers living in shelter, on the street, or in welfare hotels.
The deadline to register to vote in New York State in the 2018 general election is October 12, 2018. You can find out if you are already registered or register as a first-time voter by visiting the New York State Board of Elections website or NYC Votes.
Nothing. Arrive at your poll site between 6 am and 9 pm on November 6th. As long as you registered to vote before the October 12th deadline, you do not need to show identification in order to vote. You can vote in the district where you now live, even if you registered to vote or previously voted in a different neighborhood. For more information about your poll site, contact the New York City Board of Elections at 1-866-VOTE-NYC.
At the poll site, you will see tables and voting machines set up for your election district and others. At the table for your district, you will be asked to sign next to a facsimile of your signature on an alphabetized, computerized polling list. If your name does not appear on the roster, ask for an affidavit or paper ballot.
If your name does not appear on the computerized polling list or you are told that you are not eligible to vote, ask for an affidavit or paper ballot. After Nov. 7th, the Board of Elections will check its records, and your vote will be counted if you are indeed eligible to vote. If not, you will receive a notice that you are not eligible, along with a registration application for future elections. You may also call one of the numbers listed below for assistance on the day of the election.
NYC Board of Elections: 1-866-VOTE-NYC (toll-free)
NYPIRG: 212-349-6460 x1166
Coalition for the Homeless: 212-776-2003