Many communities are still in despair from Hurricane Sandy’s wrath. And though the recovery is going to be long and tiresome, we’re all in this together.
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It may be dark, power may be gone and homes and business may be destroyed, but we stand united as New Yorkers and as a nation. Piece by piece, day by day, we will rebuild no matter what it takes.
I’m confident that we will pull though this disaster just like we have in other struggles that we’ve overcome like woman’s suffrage and the Civil Rights Era, and that we will move forward toward the victories that lie ahead.
We’re currently enroute toward granting young and bright undocumented students with a pathway to college. We’re on the road to see 30 million more Americans gain health insurance by 2014 thanks to the Affordable Care Act or “Obamacare.” And our troops are on their way home from Afghanistan. That’s why we can’t turn back now, and that’s why more than ever we MUST vote in the 2012 presidential election. If we don’t then we’ll just be going backward.
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Yes, it’s going to be harder to vote for those who don’t have power, heat, food or transportation. So for all the people that are still enjoying these luxuries, be a good neighbor and friend and invite someone to the polls with you on Tuesday. It’s crucial that we continue to fight and we fight to keep those in power who are fighting for us.
For those living in communities without power, there are a few things you can do in order to cast your ballot in the 2012 Election.
(And if you’re one of the forunate ones that do have power, please be responsible and kind enough to relay this information to those without.)
Here’s what you should do if you don’t have power and you live in New York:
1. Absentee Ballots
If you have an absentee ballot, you should get it postmarked no later than Monday, November 5. You can also cast an in person absentee ballot up until November 5th.
The State Board of Elections has approved an extension on the deadline for absentee ballots to be received and counted from 7 days after Election Day to 13 days after Election Day. Ballots must still be postmarked no later than Monday, November 5th, however they now have until November 19th to arrive at the local Board of Elections.
For the latest information concerning the Board of Elections in the City of New York click here http://vote.nyc.ny.us/html/temp_hours/temp_hours.shtml
2. Call Your County Rep
Rest assured that there are people working very hard to ensure your right to vote on Tuesday. Your county elections officials are handling decisions to accomdate voters so contact them if you have any questions. Their offices will have specific information on any changes to voting procedures in each county, including where polling places will be for in-person voting on Election Day and if an extension has been made to request an absentee ballot for those who can no longer be there on Tuesday due to Sandy.
For a list of all county elections offices and contact information here: http://www.elections.ny.gov/CountyBoards.html
This should also be helpful: County Board of Elections Poll Site Changes due to the storm.
3. Election Day
Elections officials are currenly looking into using back-up generators to power electronic voting machines in some locations or switch to paper ballots.
But before you head out to vote, be sure to double check with your county elections to see if your polling site has not changed as a result of Sandy.
It will also be a good idea for you to check on your polling location now by going to this website https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/votersearch.aspx.
Lastly, the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), New York’s largest student-directed environmental and consumer advocacy organization, has set up an Election Day hotline for New Yorkers to call if they have any issues that day: (212)-822-0282.
Information for New Jersey residents:
1. Absentee Ballots
If you have an absentee ballot, it must be returned to the elections office by Election Day, so mail it today or drop it off in person. Some counties are extending their absentee request process due to the hurricane. Contact your local county office to get more information.
2. Election Day
Polling places are subject to change as a result of Sandy so double check with your county elections office before heading to the polls.
For example, in Ocean County, NJ, voters can call the Board of Elections at 732-929-2167 to find out if their polling place moved, and if they want to vote now the county is allowing anyone to come into the Administrative Building at 101 Hooper Ave in Tom’s River to get a ballot and fill it out in person. Just bring an ID.
3. Contact Your Country Election Office
For a list of all county elections offices and contact information go here: http://njelections.org/voting-information-local-officials.html
Remember, we may be powerless, but we’re still powerful. Vote November 6, no matter what it takes!
