election defense
The attacks on our election have already started.
Between sending ICE and the FBI after organizers and poll workers, attacking mail-in voting, and redrawing our maps, they’re doing everything they can to make us feel isolated and powerless.
They’re lashing out, changing the rules, and trying to claim victory before even stepping onto the court. We won’t accept this.
This is a battle for our democracy. And, with your help, we’re going to win.
background
The Trump Administration and its allies are working to undermine the upcoming midterm elections in an attempt to tighten their grip on power.
This is a critical tipping point for our democracy — we must acknowledge the severity of the threat, stand united, and be ready to respond.
Hands Off NYC is partnering with Common Cause NY, NYCLU, May Day Strong, and Freedom Trainers to launch a comprehensive election defense campaign to ensure that New York City understands the threats to our democracy this midterm election, activates as many voters as possible, protects and secures the election results, and mobilizes the masses in the case of sabotage.
This is a nonpartisan campaign focused on civic engagement and election protection. It is not about encouraging anyone to vote for any particular candidate or party.
Why new york city?
New York is the hub of power, culture, and capital in the country. Between the US’ biggest media market, the billions of dollars moving on Wall Street, and the millions who call it home, we move the needle.
What we decide to do before, during, and beyond November determines the conversation. It’s our responsibility to keep an eye out and direct the spotlight towards high-risk elections happening across the country. We want to be sure there’s no way to ignore, dismiss, or normalize an attack on our democracy.
Authoritarians can be beaten — but only when people rise up together in sustained nonviolent resistance. That's what this city needs now: all of us, standing up to protect these elections and defend this democracy.
We need you in this fight with us. Join us.
what you can do to fight back
None of this work is possible without your support. Your donations will help us order more materials and deliver more trainings, leading to a more informed and prepared New York that is capable of defending our elections.
spread the word
Between now and November, we need to inform people of the threats to the election and make sure we get everyone to the polls.
what we are doing
Hands Off NYC is tabling, canvassing, talking to our neighbors, and informing people how to register, how to vote by mail, and how to cast their ballot early. We have all the materials and content. We just need your help getting it to everyone in the city!
how you can help
Download printable materials at home and hand them out to your neighbors. As of now, we have:
A zine with wonderful illustrations! Make sure to print at Scale: 100%. Never folded a zine before? It’s easy! Learn how to fold a zine in this short video.
A 1-pager flyer on election defense.
A 2-sided palm card on election defense.
Share a post on your social media, like this one!
Download the images for the post.
Get trained to canvass businesses in your neighborhood.
Sign up to stay up to date on upcoming event opportunities.
train up and stay ready
Attending a training makes you more informed and ready to take actions that protect the elections. It also makes you a resource for your community.
what we are doing
Hands Off NYC is training people to know their rights, monitor the polls, take creative and direct action, support our communities against intimidation, and take to the streets when needed. Learn how to spot red flags and call it in.
how you can help
Sign up for our trainings. Make sure to select which trainings you’re interested in so we can get you plugged into the right spot!
get everyone to vote
Voting is our first line of defense. We need so many people to vote this November that it’s impossible for anyone to deny the results.
what we are doing
Hands Off NYC is treating Election Day like a holiday, and we’re asking you to do the same. Make it fun. Make it communal. Get your mom, friends, ex-situationship, doorman, and everyone you know to join you in voting.
how you can help
Pledge to treat election day like a holiday.
Check your voter registration, and help others do the same.
If you’re in New York City, check at nycvotes.org
If you’re in New York State, check at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov
If you’re outside of New York, check at vote.org
turn out and turn up
If they mess with the elections here or anywhere in the country, we need to be ready to use our power in this city to make as much noise as possible.
what we are doing
Hands Off NYC is preparing for sustained protests, boycotts, and actions, and we need you to join us. Make sure you’re in the loop and ready to hit the streets.
how you can help
Only one way to be ready – that’s getting trained! Sign up for our trainings.
Sign up to stay up to date on upcoming event opportunities.
resources
We’ve collected all the New York City and New York State voting resources in one spot, so it’s easy for you to find the information you need, and share it with others.
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The following guide contains everything you should need to know in NYC and NYS, including when and how to register and vote, as well as your voting rights:
There are also a few websites that keep up-to-date key information for voting, including how to register, request a mail-in ballot, find your polling site, early voting and election day dates, etc. All of the below are great:
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To vote in the November New York election, new voters must have registered by Saturday, October 24th. The deadline to update your address is Monday, October 14th. Check your voter registration at:
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All New York residents are eligible to vote by mail. The deadlines to request a mail-in ballot by mail, fax, or through the online early-mail ballot portal is Saturday, October 24th.
Request ballot in NYC: https://vote.nyc/RequestBallot
Request ballot in NYS: https://ballotapplication.elections.ny.gov/home/earlymail
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Here are the best websites to find your polling location:
In NYC: findmypollsite.vote.nyc
In NYS: voterlookup.elections.ny.gov
National: https://www.vote.org/
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During early voting and on election day, report any trouble to the nonpartisan hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.
Learn more at https://866ourvote.org/
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For other election protection volunteer opportunities, visit: https://wearegroundcontrol.org/
Voting Rights
As a registered voter in New York State, you have the following rights:
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You have the right to cast your vote for candidates and ballot measures, and to have enough time to do so.
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The voting system you use must be in working order, and your votes must be handled so they can be accurately counted.
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Voting is private and secret. No one but you and those authorized should know how you voted.
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You should be able to vote free from intimidation, coercion, or improper influence, whether by poll workers or others.
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Once you are properly registered, you remain a qualified voter as long as you live in the same city/county and meet other eligibility requirements (e.g., citizenship, age). You only need to re-register if you move, change your name, or your registration has been challenged.
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Elections must be accessible to all, including persons with disabilities and those who need assistance. Polling places must provide accessible voting machines or devices.
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You have the right to see a sample ballot, receive instructions on how to fill it out, and understand how the voting machine/privacy booth works before voting.
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If your name is missing, or you’ve moved within the country/city and not updated your record, you still have the right to vote by affidavit (provisional) ballot.
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If a machine or scanner at your polling location fails, you have the right to vote by paper ballot or an emergency ballot.
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If English is not your primary language, you have the right to language assistance at the polls (oral or translated materials)in many jurisdictions.
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If your work schedule prevents you from voting during the hours a polling place is open, New York law allows you to take up two hours of paid time off (depending on your employer, with advance notice) to vote.
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If you have served a felony sentence and are no longer incarcerated, you regain the right to vote even if you are on parole or probation.
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If there’s a problem with your mail absentee ballot (e.g. missing signature) that is curable the Board of Elections must notify you and allow you time to fix it so your vote can count.
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If you believe your voting rights are being violated (for example, poll site issues, discrimination, intimidation), you have the right to file a complaint with the Board of Elections or other oversight authorities.
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You have the right to see the list of candidates and referenda/questions that will appear on your ballot before voting.