Why National Voter Registration Day Matters in NYC

Why National Voter Registration Day Matters in NYC

National Voter Registration Day 2024 (official website)  gives us a chance to reflect on the fact that NYC currently has over 5 million registered voters. That’s a lot. In fact, it’s more than some of the country's other big cities including Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia.  Nearly 4 out of every 5 city residents are registered and eligible to cast their ballot. We’ve come a long way. But in a city of over 8 million, it’s still not enough. 

There are communities across New York City that need more access to resources and support that only voting and other forms of civic engagement can provide. Registering voters is the first step to reaching them. With a presidential election rapidly approaching, the national conversation has shifted to highlighting the broader issues affecting Americans beyond the 5 boroughs. 

But we can’t forget about what’s happening in our own city. Voting is the simplest way to be part of changing NYC for the better. The first way to create that change is to get more New Yorkers registered to vote.

When is National Voter Registration Day in 2024?

September 17, 2024 is National Voter Registration Day. It’s  America’s largest nonpartisan civic holiday.  Held on a Tuesday in September every year since its inception in 2012, organizations and public figures have championed the cause, adding their voices to the thousands of participants encouraging voter registration in events nationwide  throughout the day.

How to Register to Vote in NYC this NVRD

If only everything in NYC was as easy as registering to vote. 

You can register to vote online with NYC Votes and TurboVote. It takes less than 5 minutes to register to vote in NYC! 

You can also complete a voter registration form and mail it to the Board of Elections or visit your local office to register in person.

Or join one of the many 2024 National Voter Registration Day events happening around the city, and ask a volunteer to help you get registered!

Registering to vote is the first step in engaging with your city meaningfully. It empowers you to influence New York City’s elected leaders on the issues that really matter to you: the cost of rent, access to basic resources, effective public transportation, and education. 

If you’re having any trouble getting registered, NYC Votes is here to help!

NYC’s 2024 Voter Registration Deadline

We all have a lot going on, and election dates in NYC can be easy to lose track of, but here's one to remember: the deadline to register to vote in New York City is October 26, 2024. 

The first day of early voting in NYC is also the last day to register to vote in the upcoming 2024 election.

But once you register to vote, it’ll be one less thing to think about before casting your ballot.

What is National Voter Registration Day?

National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) is a national call to action, with voter registration drives and events to increase voter registration and engagement across the county. It aims to ensure that all eligible citizens are able to participate in a fundamental part of our democracy.  Registration is the beginning of that process. 

NVRD was established in 2012 by a coalition of non-profit organizations and civic groups to address gaps in voter registration and to encourage civic engagement. About 2000 civic organizations around the country helped launch the first National Voter Registration Day. Notable figures in sports, entertainment, and politics added their voices to the thousands of volunteers working on the ground to encourage voter registration. The nationwide coalition shares graphics for social media posts, field resources, logo merchandise, and coordinates fundraising and volunteer efforts.

While NVRD is a coordinated effort by many organizations across the country, local groups like NYC Votes lead the charge in our own communities in order to hear from voters directly and share NYC-specific resources.

Ways to Get Involved with National Voter Registration Day in NYC in 2024

Whether you’re registered already or simply want to help people you know,  there are plenty of ways to get involved. 

You can help by organizing or participating in local voter registration drives at community centers, libraries, and schools. Or join us at one of our NYC Votes volunteer events! 

Gently nudging your neighbors and friends, and family to check their voter registration status or register to vote can’t hurt either. 

Collaborating with local organizations that focus on voter education and outreach (like us!)  can help ensure more people are informed about their voting rights.

A History of Voting in NYC

In honor of National Voter Registration Day this year, let’s take a closer look at the history of voting in New York City.

1. First Citywide Election Alert
   NYC held its first municipal election in 1665, with citizens voting for local leaders, including the Mayor.
2. The Voting Rights Act of 1965
   This federal law had a significant impact in NYC, specifically Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan, helping to improve what were very low voter registration rates at the time.
3. The youth vote
   In 1971, the voting age in New York went from 21 to 18.
4. Hey it’s us!
   In 1988, the Campaign Finance Board was formed to eliminate barriers to participating in elections and encourage transparency in city politics. We’ve been fighting the good fight ever since!

As November approaches, New Yorkers have an opportunity to shape our future. Voting is not just a right. It’s a powerful tool for driving change on the issues that matter most to this city and holding our elected leaders accountable to our communities. By first registering and then making a plan to vote in the upcoming election, you help ensure that our values are represented by those who represent us. Let’s put that registration to good use and get every registered NYC voter to the polls this November!