Recently, I was joined by state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone), City Councilman Mark Weprin (D-Oakland Gardens), community leaders and concerned seniors who, along with all voters, must deal with a new form of voting after years of using mechanical lever machines.
For the first time ever, beginning Sept. 14, voters going to the polls will vote in a manner differently than before — and I am not talking about who voters will choose. The process of how New Yorkers will vote is changing. Voters will now have to use a paper ballot and digital image scanner to submit their votes. Unfamiliarity with the process may cause delays and bad ballots.
I commend the city Board of Elections for their comprehensive voter education outreach efforts to date. Recently, voters received a multi-language, informational mailing from the BOE. My colleagues and I urge them to study the information provided. Moreover, voters can review a multi-language website at vote.nyc.ny.us, attend voting system demonstrations or visit learning centers in each board borough office — that means if you work in another borough, you can opt to check out the system there.
We encourage voters to take advantage of these opportunities that give voters a hands-on experience using a paper ballot and the new optical scanning voting system.
To further help voters, my office has brochures issued by the state Assembly. For copies of this brochure, call my office at 718-428-7900 or e-mail weprind@assembly.state.ny.us. To help ensure voters feel comfortable with this new voting process, voters may also call 1-866-VOTE-NYC. Community organizations can request a demonstration of the new voting system by e-mailing demo@boe.nyc.ny.us.
Finally, you can view a list of sites holding demonstrations at: votethenewwayny.com/en/community-outreach/calendar.aspx.
David Weprin
State Assemblyman
Little Neck
