With just four weeks until Election Day on Tuesday November 3, there's no time to delay preparing for what will be one of the country's most important elections in history.
With voters facing a resurgence in the coronavirus, a president who throws around unfounded claims of rampant voter fraud, a grim economic outlook and a divided electorate, it's not hard to be disillusioned.
But we must use that to push us to the polls, making sure every vote is counted and the election runs as smoothly as possible. We can be sure the president will do everything in his power to undermine the legitimacy of the elections, so Brooklyn, we need to make sure we're on top of it.
Here are three things you can do right now to make sure you're ready ahead of Election Day:
- REGISTER TO VOTE: The deadline to register to vote is Friday October 9. That means there are just days left to register or update your details if you have moved. Even if you think you're good to go, it pays to check your registration to make sure everything is correct. To register online click here. Remember you need a DMV-issued state ID to apply online, otherwise, get the application in the mail ASAP (it must be postmarked by October 9).
- REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT: The last day to request a General Absentee ballot online is October 27. You can apply in-person by November 2. If you want to request a ballot by phone, email or mail, find more details here. After marking your votes on the ballot, fold the ballot, put it in the smaller envelope (make sure all your details are correct) and sign and date the back of the envelope. Seal that envelope and put it in the larger envelope addressed to the Board of Elections (again, making sure all the details are correct). Mail or deliver your ballot to your borough BOE office. Despite issues some Brooklyn residents have had with mislabeled absentee ballot envelopes, the BOE has said newly issues ballots will be error-free and will be safely and quickly sorted and counted. Absentee ballots can be cast until 9 p.m. on November 3. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and must reach the Board of Elections no more than 7 days after the election to be counted.
- BE PREPARED FOR EARLY VOTING: To make Election Day as seamless as possible, make use of the nine early voting days that run from 10 a.m. October 24 until 4 p.m. November 1. Those voting in person can find their local polling site on the BOE website, where you can also search for your assigned Election Day polling place. Early voting is considered the safest way to vote in person due to lesser crowding and it also ensures your vote is counted on election night. If you requested an absentee ballot, you can still vote early or on Election Day, as your absentee ballot will be invalidated by your in-person vote. Early voting sites all offer PPE and enforce social distancing requirements to make sure voters and poll workers can vote safety without risking their health.
