Dear John,

New York has long had some of the most restrictive voting laws and lowest turnout in the country. In 2016, New York ranked as the state with the eighth worst voter turnout rate. But after 2018, when we elected a new slate of state legislators to Albany, that started to change.

New York passed laws allowing for early voting, consolidated primary dates, modernized electronic poll-books, and a slew of other reforms. And made progress towards constitutional amendments to allow for mail in voting, automatic voter registration, and same day voter registration.

Now, despite the many challenges of the pandemic and concerns about the operations of the USPS, the current conditions are actually forcing New York to catch up with other states on making voting easier and more accessible to all New Yorkers. Last week, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to allow anyone to request an absentee ballot to vote by mail due to concerns about the coronavirus, and today signed executive orders aimed at easing the counting process.

Voters can start requesting absentee mail-in ballots right away online here today or by calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC. Ballots will begin to be mailed out after September 18. Voters should check the box for “temporary illness,” which has been expanded to cover COVID-19 concerns, when completing the absentee ballot request. Request yours as soon as possible to avoid any post office delays.

Due to the historic voting reforms we passed last year New Yorkers will also have 10 full days to vote early in person this fall, starting on October 24. I voted early in June, and was pleased to find short lines and lots of hand sanitizer. For those who are comfortable going in person, voting early is a safe option that will reduce the strain on the postal service and on the Board of Elections ballot counters.

One more critical way to contribute to making voting easier and more accessible this fall is by signing up to be a poll worker. NYC is experiencing a shortage of poll workers due to COVID-19, as more than half of poll workers are older and more vulnerable to the virus. If you are able to take the time during the early voting week or on election day, sign up here to become a paid poll worker.

Protecting our democracy this fall is going to take all of us. Thanks for everything you are doing.

Brad

Updates and Resources

Latest Virus Data: There were 279 new cases identified yesterday, and 12 more New Yorkers died from the virus. We have lost 23,658 people in NYC from the virus, and 232,120 total cases have been identified in the city. Currently, the 7-day rolling average percent of tests that came back positive citywide remains low, 0.8% as of yesterday, although we know that the infection rate varies widely across neighborhoods.
Outdoor Learning Plan: Today, the Mayor announced that schools will be able to request street closures and park permits to take students outside for lunch, recreation and instruction, heeding our calls to make this option available for schools. Principals will need to submit requests by this Friday 8/28 to get an answer by next Friday 9/4 but will be able to request space on a rolling basis. Schools in neighborhoods hardest hit by COVID-19 and without existing outdoor space will be prioritized. I’m glad to see the Department of Education adopt our idea to strongly encourage PTAs who purchase tents or gear for their own schools to contribute an equal amount for schools that don’t have those resources, though of course, for our schools to really be equitable, far more resources from the federal and state government are needed.
DOE Childcare Survey: The DOE is working to provide the child care they promised for 100,000 families on the days their children will not be in school. There’s a survey available now to express interest in the program. The form asks if you are a teacher, essential worker or low-income family, who are likely to be prioritized in the program as it scales up. Fill out the survey here.
Fill out the Census: Brooklyn is still only at 53% response rate, and we have just a few weeks left to catch up. Fill out your Census at my2020census.gov if you haven’t already and remind your friends and neighbors. We’ve heard reports that Census enumerators have had trouble getting access to buildings, if you see or hear of that happening let us know and please, let them in! Making sure all New Yorkers are counted is critical to our city’s future and constitutionally mandated!
Pandemic EBT Reminder: All New York public school families should receive pandemic EBT to replace the school lunches and breakfasts that students are not receiving at school. If you already have EBT, the balance should show up in your account. If you don’t, a card will be mailed to you. If you have not received your benefits, call the Pandemic-EBT helpline at 1-833-452-0096. If you want to share your pandemic EBT with others, read our guide for how to do so here.
Commercial Evictions: An order signed by the Governor halted commercial evictions until at least September 20.
Unemployment Update: New York is applying for the federal unemployment funds proposed by President Trump’s executive order, now that the requirement for the states to pony up 25% of the money has been dropped. The funds should enable the state to begin distributing an extra $300 per week to people receiving unemployment.
Youth Sports: The Parks Department has said they will not issue permits for organized youth sports this fall, even though ball fields are open to the public. I joined Congressman Max Rose, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and Councilmember Justin Brannan today calling on the City to change coure and make it possible for kids to play safely this fall. Join the call for permits for organized sports here.
Masks and Hand Sanitizer Available: Our office still has a supply of masks and hand sanitizer for businesses and nonprofits who need them. Email [email protected] and we can arrange a pick up or drop off.
Repurposing bags: We are still collecting Fresh Direct and other reusable bags for use by emergency food providers. You can drop bags off at the following sites and times.
- Park Slope: 256 13th St, M-F, 9 AM to 6 PM
- Cobble Hill: 359 Henry St, Mon-Wed, 9 AM to 6 PM
- Kensington: 3 Avenue C, Saturdays at 4 PM
Homeowner Assistance: Neighbors Helping Neighbors is hosting a townhall for homeowners who are feeling mortgage stress/difficulty due to COVID-19. FAC//NHN’s Director of Homeownership and Foreclosure Counseling will discuss and provide resources relating to mortgage forbearance programs, mortgage refinancing, financial assistance programs and legal resources to prevent foreclosures. Thursday, August 27 6:30-8:30 PM. Sign up here.