Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 10/25/21-10/29/21

 

Dear Community,

Election Day is almost here! This year, the Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, and a number of other important city and municipal offices are up for election. Additionally, voters across the state will also have the opportunity to vote on five ballot proposals to amend the state constitution. Don’t forget to turn your ballot over and vote on these important proposals! The ballot questions are as follows: 

• Ballot Question #1: Amending the Apportionment and Redistricting Process: This proposed amendment would freeze the number of state senators at 63, amend the process for counting the state’s population, delete certain provisions that violate the U.S. Constitution, amend certain requirements for the appointment of the co-executive directors of the redistricting commission, and amend the manner of drawing district lines for congressional and state legislative offices.
• Ballot Question #2: The Right to Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthful Environment: The proposed amendment to Article I of the NYS Constitution would establish the right of each person to clean air, water, and a healthful environment. 
• Ballot Question #3: Eliminating 10-Day-Advance Voter Registration Requirement: The proposed amendment would delete the current requirement in Article II, § 5 that a citizen be registered to vote at least ten days before an election and would allow the legislature to enact laws permitting a citizen to register to vote less than 10 days before the election.
• Ballot Question #4: Authorizing No-Excuse Absentee Ballot Voting: The proposed amendment would delete from the current provision on absentee ballots the requirement that an absentee voter must be unable to appear at the polls by reason of absence from the country or illness or physical disability.
• Ballot Question #5: Increasing the Jurisdiction of the New York City Civil Court: The proposed amendment would increase the New York City Civil Court’s jurisdiction by allowing it to hear and decide claims for up to $50,000 instead of the current jurisdictional limit of $25,000.

In-person early voting has already begun, and will continue until October 31st. If you are unable to cast your ballot during the early voting period, head to the polls on Election Day on November 2nd. Consult the New York State elections website to look up your voter registration status and find your polling locations. 

Voting in the general election is an important way to participate in the democratic process, and with key races on the ballot this year, it is even more crucial that everyone’s voices are heard. I hope to see you all at the polls!

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi