Dear BMCC Community,
This week marks the beginning of National Voter Education Week and with the upcoming elections around the corner, I encourage you all to take the time to learn about the candidates running for office and the critical issues at stake in the upcoming election.
We face many challenges as a city, state, and nation—from addressing inequality and injustice, to tackling climate change, reducing gun violence, and more. You can have an impact on these issues when you participate in the political process. A healthy democracy requires an active and engaged populace, and that starts with each of us.
While the Presidential election is at the top of everyone’s mind, there are also races for Congress, the State Legislature, and local offices, as well as several referendums that will be on the ballot:
- In New York City, there are six ballot proposals for voters to decide on.
- One of these is a statewide amendment that would add anti-discrimination provisions to State Constitutions.
Early voting in New York begins on October 26, with Election Day on November 5. If you are a citizen of the United States, and will be at least 18 years of age before November 5, you are eligible to vote and can still register before the October 26 deadline.
BMCC’s Help America Vote Ambassadors will be outside of the Student Affairs Office on the third floor of the Chambers Street building to help you register, and, if you are interested, serve as a poll worker on election day. Poll workers can earn up to $2,750 and play a critical role in ensuring that our election day operations are efficient and orderly. No experience is required.
Exercising the right to vote is one of our most basic and sacred responsibilities in a democracy. It gives us all the opportunity to choose who represents us in government and to have our voices heard on issues that affect our daily lives. Please join me in playing an active role in this process.
Sincerely,
Anthony E. Munroe
President, Borough of Manhattan Community College
