Celebrate Juneteenth by Getting Voter-Ready in New York!
Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, is a powerful reminder of the long and arduous journey towards equal rights and racial justice. It is also a time to celebrate freedom and reflect on the ongoing fight for racial equality. This year, empower yourself and your community by familiarizing yourself with your voting rights here in New York State. With primary elections right around the corner on June 25, now is a great time to find out where and how you can vote.
Law Help New York is proud to share essential digital resources on voting rights from the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and the New York City Campaign Finance Board’s New York Votes initiative. These user-friendly guides provide all the information New Yorkers need to exercise their right to vote. This includes information on:
- Voter registration: Learn how to register to vote, check your registration status, and update your registration information.
- Voting eligibility: Understand the requirements to vote in New York State.
- Absentee voting: Find out if you qualify for absentee voting and how to request an absentee ballot.
- Early voting: Get details on early voting locations and times in your area.
- Voter ID requirements: Know what forms of identification are acceptable at the polls.
- Your rights as a voter: Understand your rights to avoid intimidation or discrimination at the polling place.
It's never too early to learn how to exercise your voting rights. By becoming familiar with these resources now, you'll be ready to make your voice heard when it's time to cast your ballot. Share with your community to ensure everyone knows their voting rights.
Why Voting Matters
Voting is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. It allows citizens to have a say in who represents their communities and which policies shape their communities. It is a fundamental right that has been hard-won through centuries of activism and sacrifice. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of those struggles for enfranchisement, and it's crucial to honor that legacy by participating in the democratic process.
Additional Resources
- New York State: Voting After Incarceration
- NYCLU: Right This Way Podcast