We can all make a difference
It has been said, “Democracy is like sex, it is only good if you participate.”
There are many ways to participate in our democracy. One of the primary and easiest ways is by voting. Every U.S. citizen over 18 years of age, who is not currently serving time in jail or prison or on parole, is eligible to vote. All you have to do is register.
Every year, and sometimes twice a year, you can get a chance to choose your government representatives, the people who make decisions about what programs get funding, the people who decide what judges sit on the courts, the people who decide how much prescription drug costs will increase, the people who might pass mental health parity laws.
As mental health consumers and advocates, we have more sway if we are registered and active voters and if there are a lot of us. Our government is hired and fired by us, the voters. Don’t pass up this opportunity to tell our lawmakers that they are doing a good job, or a poor job. It’s your right and your duty.
Does my one vote matter?
1776 By one vote, the new government of the United States chose English instead of German as the country’s official language.
1800 One vote elected Thomas Jefferson president.
1911 An average of only one vote per precinct passed women’s suffrage in California.
1912 Less than one vote per precinct in one state elected Woodrow Wilson president.
1920 One vote in the legislature made Tennessee the 36th state to ratify the amendment that gave women the right to vote nationwide.
1923 One vote made Adolph Hitler head of the German Nazi party.
2000 The Bush vs. Gore presidential election showed Americans just how close results can be!
Election Days in 2006
This fall there are two elections. September 12, 2006 is the primary election. Only people registered with the two major political parties are eligible to vote in this election. The New York City primaries are particularly important because as a city with a majority of democrats, the person who wins the democratic primary usually wins the general election.
November 7, 2006 is the general election. This year all of the state positions are up for election, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Senate and State Assembly seats, as well as one U.S. Senate position and local judges.
How to Register & Other Resources
You can register at a post office, library, or any New York City government agency. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 requires that all private agencies that receive funds from state government for “programs primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities” must offer to register their clients to vote. So if you are in a program, ask the staff for a voter registration form. You can also print one out online by visiting http://www.vote.nyc.ny.us/register.html. For additional information about voting, your rights, and why it is important, visit the League of Women Voters at www.lwv.org or Smart Voter, a site for Non Partisan Election Information http://www.smartvoter.org/.
Earn Money and Work the Elections!
Each election requires workers to run the poles, which includes jobs such as interpreters, inspectors, poll clerk, information clerk, and door clerk. These positions are very temporary but are a good way to get involved, give back, and get paid. For more information call the Board of Elections at (212) 487-5305 or 1-866-vote-nyc or visit http://www.vote.nyc.ny.us/pollworkers.html.
Important Dates & Deadlines
8/18 Registration Deadline for Primary Election
9/12 Primary Election
9/13-10/13 NY Voter Awareness Month
9/26-10/2 National Homeless & Low Income Voter Registration Week
10/13 Registration Deadline for General Election
11/7 General Election