A recent mailer sent out to democrats in the 16th Congressional District
By Dan Murphy
Voter participation and turnout for the democratic congressional primary between Congressman Jamaal Bowman and County Executive George Latimer in (NY-16, Westchester and parts of the Bronx) is expected to reach a record high.
Here are some deadlines and important dates for voters from the League of Women Voters and the Board of Elections:
New York State recently allowed ALL voters to vote early by mail by requesting an Early Mail Ballot: Any registered voter may apply for an early mail ballot. This allows voters to request a ballot early without providing a reason, which used to be the only way to vote by mail through an absentee ballot.
Important Dates:
Saturday, June 15: Last day NYS voter registration form must be received by the Board of Election by mail or in person.
Saturday, June 15: Last day for an application for a mailed absentee ballot or a mailed early mail ballot to be received by the Board of Elections.
Monday, June 24: Last day to apply in person at the Westchester County Board of Elections (25 Quarropas Street, White Plains, NY 10601) for an absentee ballot.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024: Last day to postmark a completed absentee or early mail ballot (must be received by Tuesday, July 2, 2024)
Early Voting:
Early Voting in NY State will be held from Saturday, June 15, 2024 – Sunday, June 23, 2024
We will provide all early voting locations in Westchester County in next week’s paper.
Several outside groups are encouraging voters to be aware of their voting options and to make sure that they cast a vote on June 25. One group that is empowering voters to cast a ballot in the upcoming NY-16 democratic primary is Westchester Unites.
Driven by Teach Coalition, Westchester Unites is making sure that Jewish democratic voters in the 16th district are ready to make their voices heard on June 25. Westchester Unites is not supporting any candidate, but is seeking to empower voters through outreach, education and engagement in an effort to maximize turnout.
Earlier this year, more than 2,000 voters in the district changed their enrollment to democrat, allowing them to vote in the June 25 primary. And Westchester Unites has sent out direct mailings, text messages and videos, and through an army of local volunteers have made phone calls and knocked on doors in the district. Westchester Unites (WestchesterUnitesCoalition.org) has an office located in New Rochelle, at 1297 North Avenue.
“Our mission is that we want to make sure that the Jewish vote in District 16 is robust and that the whole community is going to take part in the outcome. This race will be decided in the primary, so you have to vote in the primary on June 25,” said Dan Mitzner, Director of Government Affairs, Teach Coalition.
“We also want voters to be aware of the different ways and opportunities to vote. We have over 700 volunteers, and by partnering with other groups, we are ensuring that every likely Jewish voter is contacted.
So far, 32.34% of the early mail ballots have been requested by likely Jewish voters (our target audience), while likely Jewish voters make up only 9.33% of the population. And likely Jewish voters are requesting early mail ballots at a rate nearly 5 times likely non-Jewish voters.
“The numbers are good and what is being done is working. We are looking at this in a multiphase campaign. Phase one has been a success, and it speaks to the enthusiasm of the Jewish community to get involved in this election,” said Mitzner.
Westchester Unites will be following the election timeline and will continue their efforts to include a shift to in person, early voting starting June 15.
The Westchester League of Women Voters will host a debate between Bowman and Latimer on June 10 via zoom. Visit https://my.lwv.org/new-york/westchester.
