Civic Engagement & Advocacy
South Queens has historically seen low voter turnout in elections down the ballot as well as poor rates of Census completion. South Queens Women’s March’s civic engagement programming encourages the South Queens community to become active participants in the decision-making processes taking place all around them. Our work has centered on empowering traditionally marginalized communities to change what's wrong in their neighborhoods. To achieve those changes, we've utilized various methods: hosting several Candidates' Forums to introduce program participants to elected and prospective elected leaders, educating our community on the voting process with our Voting 101 workshop and social media graphics, performing Census outreach at houses of worship, parks and major thoroughfares to increase Census participation, conducting stand-alone voter registration drives or incorporating voter registration in other SQWM events, and advocating for a commonsense redistricting process that will keep communities of interest in South Queens whole by co-sponsoring a Redistricting 101 Forum and testifying at an Independent Redistricting Commission hearing.
South Queens Women’s March functions as a platform to speak up for social justice in all its forms including gender equity, racial equity, economic justice, immigrant rights, and LGBTQIA rights. Our platform is a mechanism to advocate for the causes we know will lead our community to collective liberation.
Make sure you are registered to vote! Check here if you are not sure.
Ensure you are up to date on any deadlines related to registering to vote, absentee ballots and more!
Voting Overview: A Comprehensive Guide
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Register To Vote
Registering to vote in New York is a straightforward process with multiple options available. You can conveniently register online through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website if you possess a valid ID.
Alternatively, you may choose to register by mail by downloading the application, completing the form, signing it, and sending it to the Board of Elections at 32 Broadway, 7 Fl, New York, NY 10004-1609. Ensure your form reaches them no later than 10 days before the election in which you plan to vote.
Registration forms can be obtained from various locations such as libraries, post offices, and most New York City government agencies. To request an application by mail, contact 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692) or email vote@boe.nyc.ny.us with your mailing address and borough name in the subject line.
Additionally, you have the option to register in person at one of the Board of Elections offices. Choose the method that best suits your preferences and circumstances to ensure your voice is heard in the upcoming elections.
Keep Your Registration Current
If you experience a change of address, it is crucial to inform the Board of Elections in the City of New York promptly by re-registering. Your residence address determines the specific electoral contests in which you are eligible to participate, making it imperative to keep this information current. According to New York State law, voters must notify the Board of Elections within 25 days of an address change to safeguard their voting rights. To facilitate this process, the Board has implemented two programs.
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Absentee Voting
Qualifications to Vote by Absentee Ballot
To qualify for voting by absentee ballot, certain conditions must be met. Firstly, one must be absent from their county or, if a resident of New York City, absent from the five boroughs on Election Day.
Additionally, eligibility extends to individuals unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability. If one serves as the primary caregiver for one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled, they also meet the criteria for absentee voting. Residents or patients of a Veterans Health Administration Hospital are eligible as well.
Finally, individuals in jail or prison, excluding those convicted of felonies, qualify for absentee voting. This encompasses individuals awaiting grand jury action, awaiting trial, or serving a sentence for a misdemeanor.
When is it due?
To request an absentee ballot by mail, applications must reach the board of elections in your county no later than fifteen days before the election.
Alternatively, in-person applications can be submitted up to the day before the election. When sending the completed ballot by mail, it is advisable to heed the USPS recommendation to allow sufficient time for ballots to reach the Board.
Generally, voters should send their ballots at least seven days before the general election to ensure timely delivery.
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Early Voting
Voters are assigned to an Early Voting Poll Site, providing an additional option for New Yorkers to cast their votes in the Election. Select sites will offer early voting in the period leading up to Election Day.
Voting Teach-In Virtual Workshop
On Tuesday, June 20, an enlightening voter teach-in workshop unfolded seamlessly through the virtual realms of Zoom and Facebook Live. Participants eagerly gathered to delve into the intricacies of the upcoming primary elections, navigating the intricate landscape of voter rights and exploring the nuances of ranked-choice voting. The workshop, expertly facilitated by the dynamic duo of Ariel Clarke and Anjali Seegobin from our dedicated civic engagement team, offered a comprehensive guide to deciphering what lay on the ballot.
As the virtual space buzzed with engagement, attendees were treated to an insightful journey through the annals of history, delving into a concise yet impactful retrospective on the evolution of voting. This immersive exploration left participants well-equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the upcoming primary elections. The collaborative effort of Clarke and Seegobin transformed the workshop into an empowering experience, ensuring that every participant departed with a newfound understanding of their civic responsibilities and the tools to exercise their voting rights effectively.