New York City – The Board of Elections in the City of New York today announced it will post sample ballots to its website, one of the many steps the Board is taking to prepare New York City’s 4.6 million voters for the 2011 General Election and educate them about the new voting system. The Poll Site Locator feature on the Board’s website, www.vote.nyc.ny.us http://www.vote.nyc.ny.us/> , will provide voters with their polling places and specific sample ballots based upon the addresses they enter.
“The Board recognizes that posting sample ballots online provides New York City's voters with the ability to familiarize themselves with the layout of the ballot before the election, a critical step towards ensuring that voters are comfortable and confident with the ballots before they come to the polls,” said Board President J.C. Polanco. "We urge New York City's voters to visit the Board’s website to familiarize themselves with the ballot, use the online feature to enlarge the font size of the ballot and learn more about the easy process to vote the new way."
Board Secretary Gregory C. Soumas underscored the significant partnerships involved in implementing this new initiative.
“One of our most important steps after the 2010 Election was to listen to the feedback of the voters as to what additional steps we could take to prepare voters to use the new voting system," said Board Secretary Gregory Soumas. "This important step is the result of significant time, dedication and cooperation across various elements of government.”
“I have been working hard for several years to get sample ballots online, and I am ecstatic that beginning today they become a reality. Our success is an important technological achievement and a fantastic tool for voters. A New York City Primary or General Election can require a unique ballot in each of its 6000 Election Districts; having ballots viewable online will empower voters and reduce Election Day confusion,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer, Chair, Committee on Governmental Operations. “I join all New Yorkers in thanking the Board of Elections, the advocates and good government groups, and especially the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications for this giant step in making our democracy more open and accessible.”
Building upon the Poll Site Locator application launched by the Board in partnership with the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT), today’s addition of sample ballots represents a significant enhancement for New York City voters. The sample ballots contain the same content as the actual ballots voters will receive on Election Day, but cannot be used at the polling site. The new application will house ballots for primary, special and general elections, and determines the appropriate ballot for any given location based upon the address entered by the user.
“We work daily to implement technology solutions that empower New Yorkers and the agencies that serve them – and the Sample Ballot Initiative helps prepare New Yorkers to stand and be counted on Election Day,” said DoITT Commissioner Carole Post. “We’re pleased to partner with the Board of Elections in New York City and Council Member Brewer to make the election process clearer and more accessible than ever to New York City voters.”
To recognize their important roles, the Board also issued proclamations thanking Council Member Gale Brewer and DoITT Commissioner Carole Post. Both Council Member Brewer and Commissioner Post received official proclamations from the Board this afternoon for their partnership on this initiative.
Posting sample ballots online is one of many steps the Board is taking to prepare for upcoming Election cycles. For example, the Board actively worked with community organizations throughout the five boroughs to recruit poll workers for the 2011 Election cycle. The Board named August 2011 “Poll Worker Awareness Month” and accomplished its goal of recruiting more than 4,000 poll workers before the 2011 Primary and Special Election. In addition, the Board has conducted several Citywide Mock Elections to improve the accuracy of entering information and dispatching emergency calls on Election Day. The Board recognizes that call center procedures are essential to ensure prompt issue resolution on Election Day, and accurate data for analysis. We will continue with quarterly trainings to ensure Board staff are fluent with the Call Center Application prior to each Election Day.
For more information about the Board of Elections, please visit www.vote.nyc.ny.us http://www.vote.nyc.ny.us> or contact 866-VOTE-NYC (866-868-3692), TTY 212-487-5496.