Manhattan Young Democrats (MYD) is thrilled to congratulate the New York State Senate for passing long-awaited voting reforms. For too long, New York has been plagued with low voter turnout and limited access to the ballot box, thanks to some of the most confusing and inconvenient voting laws in the country. Adding 10 days of early voting, including two weekends, will ensure that New Yorkers of all stripes will get the chance they deserve to hit the polls – because no one should have to choose between exercising their right to vote and keeping their job. Thank you to all those who sponsored the bill, with a special congratulations to bill sponsor and Senator Brian Kavanagh, Senators Liz Kreuger, Brian Benjamin, Brad Holyman, and Robert Jackson, as well as Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and all the grassroots organizations who have been fighting for these reforms.
“I am particularly thrilled to see New York taking steps to activate teenage voters,” said Kt Sagona, newly elected president of Manhattan Young Democrats. “The sooner we can encourage and educate young voters, the stronger their voices become in our government. We need younger voices in our political environment more than ever.”
Voting rights are the cornerstone of a democratic society. During the 2018 midterm elections, we saw an attack on voter rights across the country and a dangerous rise of voter suppression. We’re proud of our lawmakers for protecting our enfranchisement and making it easier for all New Yorkers to vote.
Read the full statement from the New York State Senate here.