Voting Season is Here!
CLSJ Presents: the 2020 Voter Information Guide
Dear CLSJ Friends and Family,

Voting, a right enshrined in the constitution, wasn’t originally meant for everyone. Suffrage for Black people, White women and other historically marginalized groups was paid for with the blood, sweat and sacrifice of courageous individuals in America’s continuous struggle for progress. This year, with the soul of the nation on the ballot and COVID-19 complicating the process, the importance of voting to help shape this democracy couldn’t be more critical. 

Today, early voting begins in New York. Voting in person is possible as long as we’re smart and stay safe. Below you will find CLSJ's tips for exercising your hard-won right to vote this season. Remember the phrase, "stay ready so you don't have to get ready"? Well, this year, you need to use that mantra to help cast your ballot. There's a lot on the line and we need your voice to help build the society we desire to pass down to our children. While we likely won't know who the winners are on election night, if we prepare carefully, we can at least know that our vote counted.

In community,

Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq.
Interim Executive Director
Center for Law and Social Justice
Early Voting Starts Today!
Stay Voter Ready So You
Don't Have to Get Voter Ready
  • Avoid lines and crowds by voting early. From October 24 - November 1, New Yorkers can vote at designated polling places during select hours. Visit https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc/ to find your polling site. Not all poll sites have the same hours so be sure to look yours up first. 
 
  • Take safety precautions. Exercise the same caution as you would in any potentially crowded space. Wear a mask. Keep 6 feet of distance from other people. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer liberally.
 
  • Be prepared to wait. Bring items like snacks, water and even a portable chair to make downtime easier. Make sure your phone is fully charged (and consider bringing a back up charger if you have one).

  • Before you cast your ballot, make sure to do your research. You can look up a sample ballot and see who is running for election here. Once you know the names of your candidates, research their positions on the issues that matter to you. Even if you don't agree 100% with either candidate - ask yourself which candidates have the policies or positions that are most like yours and then vote accordingly.
 
  • On Election Day, make sure you know your Election District and Assembly District to speed up the process at the polls. Bring your Fast Pass, which was mailed by the Board of Elections, or look them up here: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/
 
  • Observe and report any irregularities like potential voter intimidation on Election Day. Call the national nonpartisan Election Protection Coalition 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) to report irregularities or file a claim with New York State Attorney General Letitia James’s Office: https://ag.ny.gov/election-hotline

  • To ensure your vote is valid, ONLY USE black or blue ink. DO NOT USE red, purple, pink or any other color ink when filling out your ballot as the scanners won’t pick up the colors. Don’t make any extra marks on your ballot, other than the required sections – otherwise your ballot can be discounted.

  • You can apply for an absentee ballot via telephone, fax and email until October 27, 2020 and in person by November 2, 2020. 

  • Returned ballots must be postmarked by Election Day. The Postal Service recommends mailing returned ballots at least 7 days before election day. Remember, the post office is under enormous strain and delays may be inevitable. That’s why you should also know that ballots can also be dropped off at a secured ballot box at NYC Board of Elections Early Voting Sites or an Election Day Poll Site no later than 9pm on Election Day. 

  • You must put a stamp on your ballot if you send return it through the mail. While only one stamp is technically required, members of Team CLSJ put two stamps on our absentee ballots, just to be extra safe.

  • This year, you can also Track Your Ballot. This will allow you to follow your ballot’s progress as it makes its way back to the Board of Elections. You can track your ballot at the nycabsentee.com/tracking website (you will need to enter your voter information or absentee confirmation code).
Rank Choice Voting: CLSJ & the Brooklyn NAACP Join Forces for Voter Education!
Photo Credit: RepresentUs
In 2021, New York City will join a handful of U.S. cities and states with ranked choice voting, an electoral system that gives voters the option to rank (or order) candidates by preference. Starting with the 2021 Primary Election in June, instead of selecting one candidate at the ballot box, New York City residents will rank their choices for elected officials.

Rank choice voting could transform local politics, but first our community must understand the process, if we want to harness its potential. CLSJ has proudly partnered with the Brooklyn NAACP to launch an education campaign to explain ranked choice voting to NYC communities of African descent beginning early next year. The campaign will serve as a pilot, which we hope to expand throughout New York City. Stay tuned for more details!
Follow CLSJ On Social Media!