New York, NY – Today, Common Cause New York, the Let NY Vote coalition, and elected officials urged New Yorkers to vote early this election and to call the 1-866-OUR-VOTE hotline with any questions, concerns or problems. Saturday, October 25 is the first day of early voting in New York. October 25 is also ‘Golden Day,’ the only day a new voter can register to vote in person at a poll site and cast their ballot on the same day.

Pictured: Common Cause New York Executive Director Susan Lerner (center left) and State Sen. Liz Krueger (center right), with Let NY Vote coalition partners.

Watch the full press conference here.

To ensure every eligible New Yorker is able to cast their ballot in this election, Common Cause New York also announced the launch of the nonpartisan Election Protection program at poll sites in vulnerable locations across the city. Volunteers will serve as either stationary monitors or as roving poll monitors to assist voters with urgent questions and ensure poll sites are taking adequate safety and security precautions.

“In New York, we lead, we show up, and we certainly don’t wait for someone else to make the decisions that shape our future. Early voting starts October 25, so don’t wait, vote early,” said Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause New York. “Whether you vote early, by mail, or on Election Day, Common Cause New York is here to make sure your voice is heard and your experience is safe, secure, and simple.”

Eligible New Yorkers have three options to cast their ballots:

With the Election Protection Program, voting rights groups are eliminating obstacles to voting and making elections more efficient by:

Voters who have any questions or have any issues casting their ballot should contact 866-OUR-VOTE, the nonpartisan voter protection hotline.

“Voting is our right and our civic duty, and we should be able to cast our ballot without fear of discrimination. At the federal level we are still working to restore protections of the Voting Rights Act gutted by the Supreme Court, with the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Exercising our right to vote is important in every election, but especially now. We deserve a mayor who will fight for New Yorkers’ rights, and by voting in the upcoming election we can send a message that New Yorkers are up for the fight. With the right mayor, with the right leadership, we can protect our most vulnerable, and build a city where prosperity is shared and no one is left behind. Vote as if your very rights are on the line, because they are,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler.

“We’re New Yorkers, and we know to protect our democracy, we have to get out there and vote. Elections have consequences. There’s no excuse not to vote because we’ve made it so accessible. So get out there and vote,” said State Sen. Liz Krueger.

“If we don’t vote when democracy is threatened, we’ve already lost. American political power has always traveled up from the voters, and exercising your constitutionally guaranteed rights has never been more important,” said Assemblymember Alex Bores.

“APA VOICE is proud to stand with our partners at Common Cause and AALDEF, protecting our community’s right to vote and ensuring full language access at the ballot box. The fight for our democracy has never been more critical. Just this Tuesday, ICE attacked the Chinatown community in a violent attempt to disrupt our daily lives and instill fear. Let’s be clear: whether it’s harassment at a poll site, denying language access, or armed agents in our neighborhoods, these are coordinated fear tactics. They are designed to scare U.S. citizens and their mixed-status family members, silence our voices, and suppress our power. We will not be terrorized or intimidated. We will protect our community and our fundamental rights to democracy. Fear tactics will not work on us,” said John Park, Executive Director of MinKwon Center for Community Action / Convener of APA VOICE.

“Early voting is our chance to make our voices heard and our power felt,” said Isabelle Muhlbauer, National Advocate Manager for Voting Rights, LatinoJustice PRLDEF. “The Election Protection program will be on the ground to ensure every voter can cast their ballot. Voters can request ballots, assistance, and voting materials in Spanish, and bring someone to help them interpret at the polls. Our democracy works best when we all can participate.”

“Our democracy is immeasurably diminished when even one of us is intimidated or prevented from casting a ballot. That’s why the members of Third Act NYC join with Common Cause New York and all of our partners in the Let NY Vote coalition to do all that we can to ensure that this fundamental right is protected and preserved – now more than ever,” said Pat Almonrode, Co-facilitator, Third Act NYC. 

“Our fight for the right to vote didn’t end with the Voting Rights Act. It continues at every poll site, every election, and every hotline call. That is why our Election Protection network works to empower our communities to know their rights, report intimidation, and stand up for one another, from the first day of Early Voting on October 25 through Election Day and beyond. From language assistance to de-escalation training, all voters, including voters of color, must be protected and must be heard — because an attack on one voter’s access is an attack on all of us,” said Karen Wharton, Democracy Coalition Coordinator, Citizen Action of New York & Founder of NY BIPOC Democracy Table. 

“Over the last few months, we have seen New Yorkers step up in many ways to become community heroes in light of the various threats and attacks enacted by the federal government. This election is a critical opportunity for New Yorkers to stand up and be heard at the ballot box, engaging in the decision making that makes New York the great sanctuary city that it is. The Election Protection Program is one of many examples of how New Yorkers are protecting and uplifting the voices of others. The New York Immigration Coalition proudly stands with our partners to ensure that our ballot box remains inclusive, accessible, and safe for all eligible voters,” Wennie Chin, Senior Director of Community & Civic Engagement, New York Immigration Coalition. 

“Starting this Saturday, voters across New York City and the state will head to the polls to shape the future of our local governments. Every eligible voter has the right to cast their ballot freely, fairly, and without intimidation, whether by voting early, by mail, or on Election Day. By voting, every one of us can help make our city work for all people no matter their age, race, financial status, gender, or zip code. Make your plan to vote and know that the Election Protection coalition is here to support you,” said Alyssa Velez, Data and Training Coordinator, New York Civic Engagement Table. 

“With nine days of early voting beginning this Saturday (9/25), as well as the option to vote by mail ahead of Election Day, voting in New Yorkers has never been more convenient,” said Jarret Berg, Co-Founder of VoteEarlyNY. “Now is the perfect time for voters to confirm their registration and firm up a voting plan that works best for them and their families. And of course, anyone with questions about voting shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Election Protection or the Attorney General’s voting hotline.”

“Voting for any American is a sacred right, but for many naturalized immigrants and children of immigrants who are often excluded from the national conversation, it can be even more sacred. It’s why AALDEF and our partners will continue to amplify Asian American voices across New York City through our Election Day exit poll. It’s also why we are also ready to work with this mighty Election Protection Coalition to ensure everyone who wants to cast their ballot can cast their ballot—from the start of early voting to when the polls close on Election Day.” Leah Wong, Voting Rights Director, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund. 

“The League of Women Voters of New York State is committed to making sure every New Yorker can cast their ballot freely and confidently. Through the Election Protection Program, we’re joining partners across the state to break down barriers to voting by helping voters get reliable information, resolving issues quickly at the polls, and ensuring that every voice is heard. Early voting and Golden Day make participation more accessible than ever, and we urge all eligible voters to make a plan and get out to vote.” Erica Smitka, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of New York State.   

Brendan Cushing, Managing Director of Generation Vote remarked, “It’s going to be up to our generation to restore trust in our democracy and defend our freedom to vote in safe and fair elections. In New York, the recent mayoral primary elections (including notable upsets in Albany and Buffalo) saw surging youth turnout, energized by progressive leaders who reflect our generation’s values and diversity. Still, against a backdrop of rising authoritarian threats, racism, and xenophobia that aim to undermine our democracy and silence our communities, the urgency for youth-led election protection has never been clearer. That’s why GenVote is developing young leaders in the election protection space, to safeguard our elections, help rebuild trust in our democratic systems, and create long-term civic infrastructure.”