Vote for Democracy #18

(Photo by Lucas Sankey on Unsplash)

While I traditionally vote in person on Election Day, due to the unpredictability of my health these past months, I decided to vote this morning at a polling place in my local library.

Prior to the pandemic, New York State did not have early in-person voting available. Absentee voting was restricted to those with health problems, those who would be travelling out of the county on Election Day, or those temporarily living away from home, such as college students. One could return ballots by mail or drop them off at the county election office. The pandemic brought in early in-person voting, although in a condensed timeframe (this year, October 26-November 3), and no-excuse absentee ballots. Still, New York’s ballot access is still more restrictive than many other states.

I feel relieved to have my ballot safely cast and ready to be added to the tally that will be announced after the polls close on November 5th, Election Day. It was important to me to have my vote counted with those cast in person on Election Day. Absentee ballots in New York are not counted until days later and I prefer to have my vote included in the tally reported on election night.

I voted to uphold democratic values and the common good and hope that all eligible voters will do the same, whether they already have voted, are getting ready to vote early in-person or by mail, or are voting on Election Day.

Democracy works best when we elect serious, thoughtful, principled people to office who will enact policies that help all people to thrive. This applies to local, state, and national offices.

Vote for Democracy in 2024!