The Women’s City Club of New York (WCC) is launching a campaign this summer to promote civic engagement and get more women over 18 to register to vote, focusing on empowering them to make their voices heard at the ballot box and in public policy.

“Today it is more important than ever for New Yorkers to become involved in our democratic voting system and advocating for their own needs,” says CEO Carole Wacey. “WCC wants to ensure all New Yorkers have the opportunity to participate in our democracy not only in our state and local elections, but in the midterm elections, by registering and engaging more potential voters who may not otherwise be civically engaged.”

These are the key registration and voting dates:

  • August 19th:  This is last day to register to vote in state and local primaries.

  • September 13th:  Primary Day

  • October 12th:  Last day to register for the general election.

  • November 6th:  Election Day

Voting data shows a clear need for more New Yorkers to register and turn out for elections. There has been a steady and steep decline in turnout in New York – from 1953 to 2013, voter turnout decreased from 93% to only 26%. During the 2016 election, New York ranked 41st out of 50 states in voter turnout. The decrease is attributed to a variety of factors, including lower levels of educational attainment amongst New Yorkers, reflecting a critical need for programs that promote civic engagement.

This summer, WCC will set up voter registration tables at a series of locations across the city, encouraging New Yorkers register to vote (or update their address if they have moved) and to sign pledge cards – where they vow to vote this year. The effort is funded by FPWA as part of its Civic Engagement initiative in which WCC and other organizations are working to amplify the voices of individuals and families in low-income communities.

You can learn about the voter registration locations below:

  • Voter Registration Event at Jackson Heights Library, 35-51 81st St, Jackson Heights, on Tuesday, August 07, 2018 from 1:30–3:30 PM

  • Voter Registration Event at Queens Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica, on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 12:30 – 2:30 PM

WCC is also hosting a civic participation event at Grace Institute for alumni of the organization, which empowers low-income women to achieve employment and economic self-sufficiency.

“Voting is the cornerstone of civic engagement, and this campaign reflects our efforts to bring diverse voices, particularly those who are seeking access and opportunities to affect change and have an impact, to the table,” Wacey said.

Contact info@wccny.org with any questions about the campaign.

About Women’s City Club of New York
Women’s City Club of New York (WCC) is a nonprofit, non-partisan, multi-issue activist organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. WCC shapes public policy through education, issues analysis, advocacy, and civic participation. As WCC enters its second century of activism, it continues to pursue economic, racial, and gender justice with the goal of dismantling the social inequities that deprive citizens of the opportunity to thrive. Through member-led Task Forces, WCC conducts research, publishes reports, fosters dialogue with public officials, and launches public education and multi-year advocacy campaigns in the following focus areas: Criminal Justice, The Environment, Good Government, Health, Housing and Homelessness, Income Inequality, and Public Education. For more information, visit http://www.wccny.org.

 

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