An Afternoon on Voting With NYPIRG

Words by Nate Izzo
Graphics by Aspasia Celia Tsampas

With the voter registration deadline rapidly approaching in numerous states, the push from both sides of the aisle to get people registered is only intensifying. Part of that push was an online event organized by the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) to provide information about voting to students and encourage them to let their voice be heard in the upcoming November elections.

In this “Afternoon on Voting” on September 22nd, students gathered on Google Meet to engage in a conversation led by Charlotte Oestrich about all things voting, from resources and registration, to concerns about the stakes of the election, which are certainly higher than they have been in many living memories. “There are so many issues,” one attendee commented, “One week I’m worried about one thing, the next week I’m worried about another.” 

First and foremost was a check of who was registered to vote among the group. Most of the participants raised their hand to indicate “yes,” and for those who were not yet registered, resources for checking voter registration and where to register online were supplied. While Vote.org is the go-to site nationwide, New Yorkers can check their registration at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov and register to vote at voterreg.dmv.ny.gov/MotorVoter.

 While most of the students in attendance were registered to vote already, a conversation quickly began around how young people are often hesitant to vote. “People our age… are the least likely to vote. I think our voting numbers are something like 27% of 18-35 year olds. That’s one third of us, and we account for a high number of [eligible voters].” Oestrich noted, “Imagine if we did all turn out to the polls!”

This conversation quickly made way for a discussion of the current presidential candidates, as well as the hot-button issues that Americans — and the entire world — face today. Several attendees mentioned climate change, with one describing it as “nightmare fuel.” Others brought up the intense polarization in American politics and the stresses that come with it. Still others admitted to intense concern about the current opening in the Supreme Court, and the ramifications that filling it may have in the decades to come.

The conversation eventually turned issues more personal to the attendees, including funding for COVID-19 relief and for CUNY and SUNY colleges. Some attendees discussed the turmoil they have faced as a result of the pandemic and expressed a desire for another stimulus package. Others mentioned how despite their classes being almost entirely online, tuition costs have not changed. Tuition cost has been a long-time issue for NYPIRG.

While these conversations are often inextricably linked to the candidates that take opposing sides, Oestrich took the opportunity to speak about NYPIRG’s policy-oriented strategy; “I think what makes NYPIRG special is that we don’t want to focus on specific political candidates, even if they’re not our preferred candidate.” She continued, “We want to focus on these specific policies and goals to push us forward.” The organization often reaches out to students not by voicing support for a certain candidate, but instead, through support for policies that affect New Yorkers, from fixing the MTA to lowering and eliminating tuition at public colleges.

Finally, Oestrich recommended that everyone in attendance make a voting plan if they have not done so already. With questions of safety during the pandemic and uncertainty surrounding the USPS’s threatened ability to handle the increase in mail-in ballots, a specific plan of action is a must.

Voting in person remains the most reliable way to vote. This method offers by far the most certainty that the ballot will be counted. Because long lines are commonplace for presidential elections, it is recommended that in-person voters choose to vote early in order to avoid the lines and the COVID-19 risk that comes with them. In New York, early voting begins on Saturday, October 24th. Be sure to double check your polling place; early voting locations are often different from election day locations.

For those who want to avoid the risk of illness or will be away from the place they are registered during in-person voting, absentee voting is also available. New Yorkers can request a mail-in ballot here; it is recommended that you do this as soon as possible so that your ballot has time to be counted.

 This year’s election has a lot on the line. Even with voter engagement on the rise with young people, there are plenty of people of all ages who still choose not to vote. Voting is the easiest way to make your voice heard and influence changes in the issues you care about. From the office of the president to local judges, you have a say in who gets the office. So vote, and encourage everyone you know to do the same!