Voting Matters and It’s Easy to Make an Impact Voting is an important part of our democracy, and it is the easiest way for individuals to take an active part in our society. Local elections are especially important, because they let citizens determine who will represent them in government and be responsible for decisions that directly affect their lives. In this article, we are going to discuss elections in New York City and what voters should know before they hit the polls.
The Different Levels of Government in New York City
New York City is a special kind of place with an expansive government system. This government is made up of four levels: city, state, county and federal. Each of these levels have their own sets of laws, regulations, and representatives.
The City Level
At the city level, the mayor of New York City is the head of government and is elected citywide by all NYC residents. The mayor is responsible for appointing other top officials in charge of different city agencies, and he or she is also responsible for keeping the city running. The mayor is also responsible for overseeing budgetary decisions for the city.
The City Council is New York’s legislative branch at the city level and is responsible for making laws and allocating resources for the city. There are 51 members of the City Council, one from each of the city’s 51 council districts. The City Council meets twice a month to discuss public policy and recommend legislation.
The State Level
The Governor of New York is the head of state and carries out the executive duties in the state of New York. The Governor is responsible for making sure the laws of the state are enforced, in addition to enacting statewide policies.
The State Senate and the State Assembly are the legislative body in the state. The Senate is made up of 63 members, and the Assembly has 150 members. They are in charge of passing laws, budgets, and are responsible for allocating public funds.
The County Level
The five boroughs of New York City make up the five counties of New York: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Each county has its own county executive, who is directly elected by the people. The county executive is tasked with overseeing the management of the county and its affairs.
The Federal Level
The United States Congress, which is compromised of the House of Representatives and the Senate, is the federal government level for the United States. All members of Congress are elected nationwide. The House of Representatives is made up of 435 members, and the Senate has 100 members.
NYC Elections
The New York City municipal elections are held every four years on the same date as the general presidential elections, every November 3rd. These elections are to determine who will have the positions of Mayor, Public Advocate, and City Council members, who will serve for the upcoming four-year term.
Voter Registration
In order to vote in any New York City election, you must first register to vote. You must be 18 years old and a US citizen to register. You can register to vote by submitting an official voter registration form or registering online through the NYC Board of Elections. To register online, you must have a valid state ID number or driver’s license.
Voting day
On Election Day, you should go to your assigned polling place in order to vote. Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and you will need to provide proof of identity such as a driver’s license or a valid ID. If you are not able to get to your polling place on Election Day, then you can vote absentee.
Early Voting
New York state allows for a period of early voting before the general election. This period begins the Saturday of the 11th weekend before the general election, which is the last Tuesday of November. During the early voting period, anyone registered to vote can cast their ballots in-person at any of the designated early voting sites throughout the state.
Absentee Voting
If you cannot make it to the polls on Election Day, you have the option of voting by absentee. In order to get an absentee ballot, you must first fill out an absentee ballot application. This application can be found on theNew York State Board of Elections website. Once your application is approved, you will be sent an absentee ballot and instructions for how to fill it out correctly.
Voter Rights
Voting is a right and a privilege, and it is important that all eligible voters are aware of their rights. In New York City, voters have the right to
- Cast their ballot without coercion or intimidation
- File a complaint with the Board of Elections if they believe their voting rights have been violated
- Bring an interpreter with them to the polls
- Receive assistance in casting their ballot
- Vote privately without being observed
Voting is an important part of our democracy and it’s easy to make an impact. Before you hit the polls, it’s important to know the different levels of government in New York City, and the voter registration and voting day rules for municipal elections. Additionally, New Yorkers have the option of early voting, absentee voting, and knowing their voting rights. Being informed about the election process is the best way to be an informed voter and make an impact on Election Day.
