Vote Tuesday, November 4th

Voting information is hard to come by. Where do I vote? What do I need to bring? Who is on the ballot?

To address this problem, we have put together this list of frequently asked questions about how and where to vote

In response to requests we got last time for general information about what's on the ballot and who to vote for, we are offering links to that kind of information. While we can't tell you who to vote for, we can direct you to these resources:

Gotham Gazette's Guide for the Last-Minute Voter

League of Women Voters' NYC Elections Information

If you are supporting a candidate and want to make a difference, the most effective thing you can do is to tell your friends to vote. So consider forwarding this post to your friends (and if they live in Williamsburg or Greenpoint, ask them to sign up for the NAG newsletter at www.nag-brooklyn.org

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1. Oops- I'm not going to be in town on Tuesday!
Luckily, you can cast an in-person absentee ballot on Monday at the Board of Elections between 9am and 5pm. You must cast a ballot in the borough of your residence. The Brooklyn office is at 345 Adams Street, 4th Floor, in Downtown Brooklyn.

2. When & Where Can I Vote?
Polls are open 6am-9pm. Find your polling place online or call 212-VOTE-NYC (311 can patch you though too)

3. Am I registered?
You can verify your voter registration online or call 212-VOTE-NYC (311 can patch you though too)

4. What Congressional/State Senate/Assembly/Council Districts Am I In?
You can find out which districts you are in online

5. But I don't have my "voter registration card" with me!
YOU DON'T NEED IT. If you have never voted in NYS before and you registered via mail, you may need to present a photo ID (driver's license, non-driver ID or passport) and/or proof of residency if your ID doesn't have your address on it (utility bill, bank statement, etc). It's a good idea to bring a photo ID to the polls anyways, but New York does not require one if you voted in the state before.

6. Oops, I'm not registered!
Register to vote for the next election. More information is on the NAG blog.

Live Here? Vote Here!

Voting in local eletions is key to improving the neighborhood!
Greenpoint and Williamsburg are underserved in part because of low voter registration and voter turnout. Some important primary elections have only seen turnout of only 3% in Williamsburg.

Register to vote and participate in the local primary on Sept. 9, 2008.
There is a competitive race in the 25th State Senate district which covers parts of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Find out if you're in this district. (NAG is a non-partisan entity and does not endorse candidates for office).

Are You Registered Correctly?

• The registration deadline for the primary is August 14, 2008.
• If you moved since you last registered, you need to register at your current address. File a "change of address" registration (see below for getting a form).
  
• You can confirm your registration online.
• In NY State, you can only vote in a primary if you are a registered member of that party. Changes in your party registration do not go into effect until after the general election, so we recommend that you change your registration now if you are not registered in a party and want to vote in primaries. Fill out a voter registration form (see below) to change your party.
  

How to Register

• You pick up a voter registration card at libraries, post offices, and most government agencies.
• You can stop by the NAG office to pick up a voter registration form (call 718-384-2248).
  
• You request a form in the mail, call 1-866-VOTE-NYC.
• You can fill out a PDF form, print it out, and mail it to the Board of Elections.

How to Vote

• Find out where your polling place is.
• If this is your first time voting in NY State, bring a photo ID with you, or proof of residency like a phone bill or bank statement with your current address--you do not need to bring the card the Board of Elections sends you in the mail.