Ronald Hayduk, Political Science, spends a lot of time thinking about whether your vote matters. He believes strongly that it should, but he’s worried that it doesn’t. Hayduk cites factors such as too few and too old voting machines, restrictive poll hours, immigrant voting limitations, pre-registration requirements, and poorly trained and compensated poll workers, along with a general lack of incentive on the part of incumbent candidates to fix these problems, as some of the major reasons that lower-income and minority voters are often left out of the political process in New York City and in America.
“The main thing I want people to understand,” Hayduk said, “is that this issue of voter disenfranchisement matters most in closely contested elections.” In other words, the closer the election (think 2000 Presidential Election in Florida), the more it matters to our democratic way of life if your vote is not counted or never cast.
In spite of these problems, Hayduk is hopeful that marginalized voters can claim their political voices. The first and most obvious step is to vote. “It’s a cyclical process,” he said. The less lower-income and minority voters vote, the more candidates will speak to higher-income majority voters. So vote – make it worth the candidates’ while to listen to you and to speak for you.
The second step is to work at the polls on Election Day if you have the day off. You’re a college student – you’re competent and able to solve problems and think critically. Consider spending the day making sure that everyone in your neighborhood who wants to vote gets the chance.
Finally, pay attention to issues like immigrant voting rights and registration policies. Together we can work toward city, state, and federal governments that reflect our concerns and our values.
For more information, visit www.NYC.gov, click on “Government,” “NYC Government,” and “Voter Information” for two pages of information, and visit www.immigrantvoting.com for information on immigrant voting issues.
