DemocracyNYC and NYC Civic Engagement Commission's monthly newsletter
 
 
NYC Mayors Public Engagement Unit - Democracy NYC
NYC Civic Engagement Commission
A navy blue graphic with flowers in the background and an image of a black man in a yellow shirt facing and looking at a slogan which reads Black Lives Matter. 

DemocracyNYC (DNYC) and the Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) stand in solidarity with our Black, Asian, LatinX, and immigrant communities as we continue to mourn the murders of Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Ma’Khia Bryant, members of the Sikh community whose lives were lost in the Indianapolis shootings, and many more people killed through police brutality and xenophobic, racist hate crimes. While the guilty verdict of the Chauvin trial brought relief, healing and closure, it’s also a stark reminder of the need for systemic change. Voting in local elections is one way we can push for long term change and continue to rebuild our city. With less than two months till the June Primary, DNYC and CEC are more committed than ever to ensuring New Yorkers are prepared for this pivotal election for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President, City Council, and District Attorney.

Please see some important updates, resources, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities below.
A blue graphic with the New York City skyline in the background which reads Your City, Your Voice, Your Vote. 

Our Path to Long Term Change

Last Wednesday, the NY Assembly passed a bill that would automatically restore the voting rights for people on parole. This voting rights bill will re-enfranchise nearly 43,000 formerly incarcerated New Yorkers — three fourths of whom are Black and Latino. This victory is the result of tireless advocacy on behalf of our partners and previously incarcerated people in New York State. As our nation’s democracy has come under attack, New York must strengthen its commitment to just and inclusive voting laws. This bill is central to that goal and we urge the Governor to swiftly sign this bill into law.

Additionally as of last week, S6226/A5691A, a bill which paves the way for much needed changes at the NYC Board of Elections was introduced in both houses. This legislation, sponsored by Senator Krueger and Assembly Member Rozic, prioritizes reforming the NYC BOE by establishing transparency, accountability and professional standards across the organization and is a significant first step towards long term holistic reform. Help us get the word out about this key legislation by contacting your state legislators!

The bill includes key enhancements reflective of the many conversations DemocracyNYC had with good government groups and community organizations citywide. Highlights of the bill include:

  • Having the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director be appointed by Citywide elected officials.
  • Moving early voting and Election Day poll site selection, poll site assignments, selection of early voting hours, language assistance and poll site setup duties to the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director (away from the Board).
  • Adding professional qualifications for Commissioners and Executive Staff, and requiring training for Commissioners and Executive Staff by State BOE before they assume their duties.

 
A navy blue graphic that reads Local Elections: How and Why to Vote with images of four panelists and text which reads Moderator: Melva M. Miller, CEO, ABNY, Roshni Ahmed, Women For Afghan Women, Lurie Daniel Favors, Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq. Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College, CUNY, Bitta Mostofi, Commissioner Mayor's. Office of Immigrant Affairs. 

Local Elections Matter!

Earlier this month, DemocracyNYC and the Civic Engagement Commission co-hosted an event with Women Creating Change on the importance of voting in NYC local elections. The event was moderated by Melva M. Miller, CEO of ABNY, and featured panelists Roshni Ahmed (Women for Afghan Women), Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq. (Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College), and Bitta Mostofi (Commissioner, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs). Watch the full event here and learn more about upcoming local elections, candidates and Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in this NYC Voting Resource Toolkit.

An orange graphic with text that reads What do YOU want New York City to look like? ElectNYC.org @ElectNYC2021 

Less than Two Months Until the Primary

On June 22, New Yorkers will vote in an important citywide Primary Election which will impact the outcome of a number of critical races for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough Presidents, and a majority of the 51 City Council seats. These key governmental positions will affect our daily lives and determine how we address issues that matter most to New Yorkers, including housing, education, jobs, how the City spends its money, and public safety.

Citizens Union recently launched ElectNYC a nonpartisan public education campaign designed as a one-stop shop for New Yorkers to find out which candidates are running, the role of different elected offices and how voters can rank their candidates. See a social media toolkit with helpful graphics here.

 
A purple and blue graphic which reads NYC, Rank Your Vote! When you VOTE you can RANK up to five candidates in order of preference Step 1 Scan the code. (with a QR code and shortlink below the code: on.nyc.gov/RankYourLandmark. Step 2 PRACTICE using Ranked Choice Voting. With an image of a marked ballot where NYC landmarks appear in rows and 1 through 5 appear in columns. Ovals are marked as follows: Apollo Theater is ranked 2, Bronx Zoo is ranked 4, Brooklyn Bridge is ranked 5, Central Park is not ranked, Flushing Meadows is ranked 1, and Snug Harbor is ranked 3. Step 3 VOTE in the June Primary Election. With a box below with key dates Vote Early: June 12 - 20 Election Day: June 22. On the bottom right text reads Learn more voting.nyc. 

Ranked Choice Voting Is Still Here - See New Resources Below!

Interactive Ballot

In collaboration with RankedVote, DemocracyNYC has launched a multilingual, interactive online app that mimics the NYC ballot and helps New Yorkers better understand how Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) works before heading to the polls. Practice Ranked Choice Voting now by voting on your favorite NYC landmark and click here to access ballots in additional languages.

Workshops

DemocracyNYC and the Civic Engagement Commission continue to host and participate in multilingual voter education workshops. Help inform New Yorkers about RCV by watching and sharing our previous workshops which can be viewed here.

Materials

Additional Resources

An orange graphic with text messages on the side that read: Want to do something for your community and city from home? Response: Emojis of a heart and statute of liberty. Text 2: Get the word out about the June Primary and ensure eligible New Yorkers are registered to vote by May 28th! Response and emoji of a girl raising her hand and emoji of a plus sign and cellphone which equals 100. The last message reads: Text out the vote with a ballot emoji. On the right, there is text that reads: DemocracyNYC Text Out the Vote! May 11, 12 PM - 7 PM Help New Yorkers register to vote and make their voices heard at the ballot box in the June Primary and beyond! RSVP at http://on.nyc.gov/RegisterToVoteDOA  

Get Involved!

Civic Engagement Commission Monthly Meeting

On Tuesday April 27 at 11 AM, join the Civic Engagement Commission for its monthly meeting. The Commission will provide updates on the election methodology for our poll site language assistance program during the upcoming June Primary. For more information on the meeting, click here.

Voter Registration Day of Action

On May 11, help New Yorkers register to vote using our digital outreach tools. All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer, and we will send you an email with everything you will need to participate. Sign up and help New Yorkers register to vote.

NYC CEC Volunteer Training

On Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 5 PM - 6 PM CEC will be holding a training which will provide information about the Commission’s programs and initiatives. Click here to register for the training. Learn more about the Commission’s volunteer opportunities here, including how to volunteer for the Poll Site Language Assistance program for the upcoming Primary Elections.

Get Out the Vote Phone Banking Efforts

Participate in our Get Out the Vote phone banks for the upcoming Primary Election from June 12-22. Sign-up and promote among your networks.

Graphic Design Internship

The NYC Civic Engagement Commission seeks a graphic design intern who will work closely with the artist-in-residence and the Communications team to create dynamic, visually appealing designs for the Commission’s programs. Click here for more information.
Immigrant Heritage Week 2021, Immigrants are essential. Pictured is someone with a box of groceries, another is helping an older person put milk into their shopping cart while the older person holds an umbrella over the helper's head. Another group of two are also exchanging a bag of bread. Behind them are symbols of the five boroughs, such are the Unisphere, the SI ferry, Yankee Stadium, and Cony Island. 

Civic Engagement Updates from our Partners

Citizens Committee for NYC All in Neighborhood Grant

Grassroots organizations responding to the immediate needs of struggling New Yorkers will receive unrestricted grants of up to $10,000 to open food pantries, distribute surgical masks, arrange elderly check-ins, or design other projects to meet their neighborhoods’ urgent needs amid the COVID-19 crisis. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You can learn more about the grant, sign up for an info session and apply here (Spanish and Chinese applications available).

Earth Month Activities

This year Earth Day was on Thursday, April 22 and the theme was "Restore Our Earth," which emphasizes restoring the world’s ecosystems to address climate change. Learn more here. Continue to build on the momentum of Earth Day celebrations by volunteering with NYC Parks to make our communities greener, healthier and safer.

EDsnaps Summer 2021 Program Application

From July 12 - August 20, EDsnaps is conducting a 6-week free virtual program for female-identifying students, ages 12-18. Throughout the program students and their counselors will interact with professional women who have an impact on our society. Students will also learn how to build a network of support, to create works of art, write, dance, and go on virtual field trips. At the end of the 6 weeks, there will be a creativity contest with awards and prizes. Supply kits will be mailed to participants at the end of June. There are 25 spots available, first come, first serve. Sign up here today!

Immigrant Heritage Week

During this 17th Annual Immigrant Heritage Week (IHW)—Monday, April 12 through Sunday, April 18—the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) honored and celebrated the countless contributions of immigrant New Yorkers who have kept our city running during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for a social media toolkit and here for MOIA’s annual report, which was released last week. Immigrant Heritage Week may be over but we can continue to celebrate immigrants year round by amplifying the important work they do for our city.

Sunday Supper #BlackWomenVoteNYC!

Last weekend, Higher Heights and the New York Urban League hosted a virtual supper event about Ranked Choice Voting, what’s at stake with the 2021 June Primary Election, and why local elections matter. Watch the full event here and check out their toolkit here.

A blue, black and white graphic with text that reads Eleanor's Legacy Action Fund Ranked Choice Voting Workshop In partnership with DemocracyNYC, Downtown Women for Change, NYC Black Women's Political Club, Rank the Vote NYC, the United Federation of Teachers, and Women of Color for Progress (images of all the logos). RSVP at bit.ly/may_rcv Please note this is a video conferencing event. Event is free to attend, but RSVP is required.
A tan graphic with text that reads: Please Join Us! Ranked Choice Voting! with an image of a red check next it. About the event: Prepare for 2021 elections and beyond! Learn about local elections, Ranked Choice Voting, and ways to make your voice Heard! Workshop presented by DemocracyNYC Wednesday, April 28 6:00 - 7:00 PM tune in Facebook Live @ GoodShepherdServicesNYC

Mark Your Calendar for the Following Events

 

Who Are We?

DemocracyNYC

DemocracyNYC is a nonpartisan NYC mayoral initiative focused on increasing voter participation and civic engagement in NYC. Part of that mission is to encourage every eligible New Yorker to make their voice heard at the ballot box. DemocracyNYC also works to address and eliminate historic barriers to voting through public education, outreach, and policy reform efforts. Currently we are focusing on encouraging voters to participate in special and local elections by educating New Yorkers on ranked-choice voting and pushing for long term reform through legislation. Learn more here.

Civic Engagement Commision

The New York City Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) is a new city agency that was formed to promote civic participation and to improve civic trust. We believe that all New Yorkers should have access, knowledge, and confidence to engage fully with their government, in their communities, and in elections. CEC initiatives include: the “It’s Our Money” participatory budgeting youth pilot program, providing support to community boards, and serving language access needs of limited English proficient New Yorkers at poll sites. Get involved here and follow us on Twitter at @NYCCEC.

 

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