Early voting in New York State begins tomorrow, Saturday, October 24, and Election Day is less than two weeks away on Tuesday, November 3! Early voting is already underway in many other states, and the Alliance for Rights and Recovery encourages all eligible voters to check their registration, review their ballots, make a plan, and get out and vote!
Voting is more than a fundamental right. It is an important way to use our voices, participate directly in the democratic process, and help shape decisions that affect our health, rights, services, and communities.
Voting is good for your health! Civic participation promotes empowerment, self-determination, community inclusion, and a greater sense of connection to our communities. For people with mental health and substance use challenges and other disabilities, voting is an especially important opportunity to exercise our rights and ensure our experiences and perspectives are represented.
As the members of the POWER Coalition reminds us through their voter education campaign, “Nothing About Us Without Our Vote.” People with lived experience have spent decades advocating for a greater voice in decisions that affect their lives. Voting is another powerful way to exercise that voice and help shape the future of our communities.
With Election Day quickly approaching, now is the time to take action! We encourage everyone to check their voter registration status, find their early voting or Election Day polling location, review the candidates and proposals on their ballot, and make a plan to vote. We also urge providers, peer supporters, advocates, families, and community organizations to share voting resources and help people overcome barriers to participation.
National Voting Resources
Several excellent resources are available to help voters in New York and across the United States understand their rights, navigate state voting requirements, and prepare to cast their ballots.
- Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law’s Updated Voting Rights Guide: VOTE. It’s Your Right provides practical information about the voting rights of people with mental health, intellectual, and other disabilities, including protections related to guardianship, voter eligibility, assistance at the polls, and state voting laws. Read the Updated Guide.
- POWER Coalition’s “Nothing About Us Without Our Vote” Campaign: POWER’s national voter education initiative features a Comprehensive Voter Guide for People with Lived Experience. Developed by and for people with mental health and substance use experiences, the materials address voter registration, voting options, requirements for people with criminal justice histories, and other important issues. The campaign emphasizes that recovery includes empowerment, autonomy, and community participation. Learn more at supportrecovery.us.
- “Vote as if Your Life Depends on It!” — Alliance Annual Conference Presentation: Featuring Phyllis Vine, Luke Sikinyi, and Shannon Higbee, this presentation explores the connection between voting and health, barriers people with disabilities face, and practical strategies for increasing voter participation. Access the Presentation on the Alliance Website by scrolling down to the Take Action section.
New York State Voting Resources — Early Voting Begins October 24!
New Yorkers can begin casting their ballots tomorrow, Saturday, October 24! Early voting offers an opportunity to vote before Election Day on November 3. We encourage everyone to check their county’s early voting locations and hours, which may differ from their regular Election Day polling places.
The Albany Times Union has released nonpartisan voting guides for regions and counties throughout New York State. These guides provide information about where and when to vote, candidates appearing on the ballot, candidate questionnaires, and details on local ballot proposals.
Take a few minutes to review your regional guide and familiarize yourself with your ballot before heading to the polls!
Regional Voting Guides
- Capital Region (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington Counties):
- Central New York (Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Otsego, and Tompkins Counties):
- Finger Lakes (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates Counties):
- Hudson Valley (Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties):
- Mohawk Valley (Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, and Schoharie Counties):
- North Country (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties):
- NYC Metro Area (New York City and Nassau, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties):
- Southern Tier (Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Steuben, and Tioga Counties):
- Western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara Counties):
For additional official information about voter registration, polling locations, and early voting in New York, visit the New York State Board of Elections.
Election Day is November 3, but you don’t have to wait! Voting is an opportunity to affirm our independence, exercise our rights, and participate in decisions that shape our communities.
Your vote is your voice. Check your registration, review your ballot, make your plan, and GO VOTE!