Neighbor News
Port: Make a Plan to Vote
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. & NYS Assembly Candidate Gary Port, urges residents to make a plan to vote
West Hempstead, NY - Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Gary Port, who is running to represent the 19th District of the New York State Assembly, is urging voters to plan ahead and make sure their vote counts.
“We’re living in unprecedented, dark times, and if we’re going to find a light at the end of the tunnel, we need to make absolutely sure our voices are heard,” Port says. “This isn’t a partisan issue. Regardless of who you’re voting for, get out and vote. Democracy depends on it.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to necessary changes in the administration of elections. Here are a few important deadlines that New Yorkers need to know:
Find out what's happening in Garden Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- The voter registration deadline is October 9th. Make sure you’re registered to vote by then. You can register online at https://www.ny.gov/services/register-vote.
- If you’re voting absentee, the last day to apply online for an absentee ballot is October 27th. Apply at https://absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/. Remember that you can use COVID-19 as a valid reason for voting absentee.
Find out what's happening in Garden Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- The last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot is November 2nd. Apply at the Nassau County Board of Elections, 240 Old Country Road, 5th Floor, Mineola, 11501.
- Early voting takes place from October 24th to November 1st.
- The general election is November 3rd. Find your polling place at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/.
To account for potential delays, Port recommends that those planning to mail a ballot do so as early as possible. “The new Postmaster General has cut overtime, and the USPS has been undermined by a lack of federal funding,” he says. “Officials have warned states that they’re going to have a hard time processing ballots that may come in late. So if you’re voting absentee, get it in early and make sure it counts.”
“It’s frustrating that we have to deal with this. A powerful country like ours should be able to administer its elections properly,” says Port. “If elected, I’ll work on legislation that will make elections more transparent and voting more accessible.”
Port is a resident of West Hempstead, and a proud public school parent. The 19th District covers a significant section of Nassau County, including Mineola, New Hyde Park, Garden City, Carle Place, Brookville, Franklin Square, and West Hempstead.
You can follow Gary on Twitter @GaryPort19, like him on Facebook.com/GaryBPort,
or check out his website, https://garyportforassembly2020.com/.
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