Early voting begins in the Democratic primaries for citywide races this Saturday, June 14. The actual primary is June 24. The stakes for this election could not be higher for the future of this city.
Of course, you’ve heard that message before about the stakes of an election being so high. It’s a message said often in recent years, but just because it’s been repeated a million times doesn’t make the statement any less true.
New York City is at a crossroads on a myriad of issues, and the people who will be tasked over the next four years with tackling these problems do not just appear out of thin air. They are not appointed by some corporation or omnipotent body.
Indeed, the mayor, the public advocate, the comptroller, the borough presidents, the City Council members, and all the rest are chosen to do their jobs by you, the people. That is the inherent definition of our democracy, and it holds true in New York City.
Our policy is not to tell you who to vote for. Our policy is to inform you of the choices and educate you as best we can on what the candidates stand for. You and you alone have the final say in what you want your city to be, and what candidates you want to represent your ideals.
So, what kind of city do you want? We know the issues ahead of us: crime, affordability, housing, quality of life, schools, transit, etc. Even the city’s interactions with the federal government are now serious issues to consider.
You and you alone are being asked to answer that question in the days ahead. Your answer will determine the future of the city and its direction.
To choose not to vote, however, should not be an option if you are a registered voter eligible to participate in this primary. Voting is a sacred responsibility in this country of ours; your vote is not something to be taken for granted.
Our city can work only if we are all invested in its future, and the best investment we can make is through the ballot box. A singular vote may seem insignificant by itself; added together with millions of other votes, however, it speaks volumes about who we are and what we want.
Let us exercise our right to vote in this primary and every election thereafter. Take the time to cast your ballot at an early voting site or on Primary Day, June 24. Make your voice heard. Choose wisely and carefully.
And remember, in the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves—and the only way they could do that is by not voting.”
