The ultimate guide to help you come up with your voting plan

Your vote is special and so is this election! Here’s a guide to creating your voting plan.

New York City offers three different options for voting: you can vote by absentee ballot now, in-person during the early voting period, or in-person on Election Day (11/03).

OPTION 1 - ABSENTEE VOTING

This year, Governor Cuomo has opened up absentee ballots to everyone -- all you have to do is say COVID-19 as your reason for the request.

You can request your ballot here: https://absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/. This website will guide you to the necessary website for your county. You can also print out a form and drop off your local Board of Elections.

You should receive and send back your ballot by Election Day, and if not, you might have to alter your Election Day plan. We recommend sending your ballot back as soon as you can. You can track your absentee ballot here: https://nycabsentee.com/tracking

OPTION 2 - EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING (OCT. 24 - NOV. 1)

There is also the option of doing early in-person voting. The period runs from Sunday October 24th until Sunday November 1st. Dates and times may vary based on where you live, but your early voting polling place may be different than your normal polling place. You can find your early voting polling place: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

Make sure to plan ahead by answering these questions:

My early voting polling place is: _________________________________

Two possible dates and times that I can early vote are:

1)  __________________________________________________

2) ___________________________________________________

OPTION 3 - VOTING IN-PERSON ON ELECTION DAY (NOV. 3)

If you cannot early vote or your absentee ballot does not come, you can go to the polls on Election Day, November 3, 2020. You can find your local polling place at https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc/.

What to remember when voting in person on Election Day:

• Mask

• Driver’s License/Non-Driver ID

  • If you’ve voted before in NY, you don’t need to provide ID, but better to be safe and have it on hand

• Proof of address (paycheck, utility bill, government check - can be in an email/on smartphone or paper copy)

  • If you didn’t provide ID when you registered, you’ll need to show proof of address the first time you vote

• Neutral clothing (no clothing that promotes a candidate or party)

• Fast-Pass from the Board of Elections (if you got a card for the BOE)

• Photos of your completed ballot are not allowed

Thank you for being a voter!

COVID-19 Resources to Help You Get Prepared for Get Tested Day of Action

Tomorrow, July 8, 2020, is Get Tested Day of Action in New York City, so help keep your loved ones safe by getting tested for COVID-19! Until we have a vaccine, making sure everyone gets tested and quarantines themselves if they test positive is the best way to protect our city as it continues to reopen.

Everyone should get tested, even if they are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Scientists believe that asymptomatic individuals (i.e. people who have contracted the coronavirus but do not feel sick as a result) can still spread the disease. We would especially encourage individuals who have been in large gatherings or had exposure to another person who had the coronavirus to seek testing.

COVID-19 testing is being offered across the city for free, and it is safe and confidential. You will not be asked about your immigration status when getting tested. Most tests are returned within 48 hours - those who test positive will receive a phone call from Test & Trace Corps, who will ensure that they receive proper medical treatment.

For our families in East Harlem, we recommend Boriken Neighborhood Health Center, located at 2265 3rd Ave &, E 123rd St, New York, NY 10035.

 

Boriken is offering free COVID-19 testing in outside tents from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can call (212) 289-6650 to make appointments, including same-day ones. They will be distributing face masks and hand sanitizers as well, keeping you safe and healthy.

If you are looking for another testing site, please visit NYC’s website here or text "COVID TEST" to 855-48. Please call the center that you are planning on visiting directly to ask if they will be requiring identification or a health insurance card in advance. Boriken, for example, will ask for both.

What kind of government benefits might be available to me?

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Need to apply to supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP)? Click here, then go to “I want help” and you will see options for food assistance or financial assistance.

If you are looking for SNAP benefits, click on “food assistance” and click on “ACCESS HRA” to begin the SNAP application.

2. Financial Assistance to help with rent/ utilities

Having trouble with home expenses due to COVID-19? You can apply for emergency cash assistance for rent here.

Check this website to apply for assistance in paying your utility bill. This is the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which helps low income households pay for utility and heat bills. If you have received any notices for these bills you have the option of applying for emergency financial help. If you currently receive SNAP benefits, cash assistance or SSI, you automatically qualify for this program. 

3. Unemployment Benefits

If you are unemployed due to COVID-19 you can apply for unemployment benefits here. Once you file the unemployment insurance claim, you will find out if you are eligible for unemployment and how much you will receive. In order to collect your benefits, you must file a claim every week after you have been approved.

If you have been personally affected by COVID-19 and have not been able to work because of this, you are entitled to file for Paid Safe and Sick Leave. You can use this to care for yourself or anyone in your family as long as you work for any size business or a nonprofit. Click here for more information and to access the application.