The Democratic Primary Election is June 23rd. The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly caused us to rethink many things we considered routine. Politicians have had to adopt new procedures and protocols to help preserve our rights and privileges. Primary elections this year in New York City will be conducted in a way previously reserved only for those who were out of town. For the first time in New York State history, every registered Democrat will be able to vote by mail (by first requesting an absentee ballot) in the June 23 Democratic Primary.
How will this be achieved?
Last month, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.23, which states that every registered voter will be sent an absentee ballot application. The Board of Elections will be mailing absentee ballot applications to every household in which there is at least one registered voter. The application must be completed and returned to receive a mail-in ballot. Voters can mark the reason for their request as “temporary illness,” which now includes the risk of contracting coronavirus. If you are away from home, you can request that an absentee ballot be sent to your current location. This is especially beneficial to anyone who will be at a summer location.
In case you do not receive an application, you may request one be sent to you by June 16. There are several ways to request an absentee ballot:
• Online – nycabsentee.com
• Mail an application to the Board of Elections
• Call 1-866-Vote-NYC
• Scan and email an application to absenteejune2020@boe.nyc
• Fax an application to 212-487-5349
As of the writing of this article, a federal judge ruled that the New York Presidential primary is back on the schedule for June 23. This ruling might be appealed.
Regardless, almost every community in NYC will have a local or state primary on June 23, so please request your absentee ballot now.
Voting during this pandemic could not be easier, or more important. By voting, we participate in the democratic process. We choose those who represent us, and our ideals. If not, others will be making those decisions for us. This is particularly important in local races. We must show our elected officials that our community has a voice.
