Statement on "Inactive" Voter Status What New York City Voters Need to Know
10/18/2018
Statement from Amy Loprest, Executive Director of the New York City Campaign Finance Board and its NYC Votes voter engagement campaign:
"New York City voters may have received a letter from DemocracyNYC this week indicating that they are "inactive" voters. Published reports indicate the letters were sent to 400,000 city voters. To be clear, the letters were sent by the Mayor's office, not by the CFB, or its NYC Votes campaign, which is a nonpartisan and independent agency.
Many voters who received this letter, and even those who didn't, may be wondering what they should do next. Here are the steps they should take:
- Check your voter status at New York's voter lookup tool: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/
It takes 30 seconds, but you must enter all information into the tool exactly as it appears in your voter registration file. In addition to looking up your voter status, you can also review which party you are enrolled in and your voting district information.
- Go vote on November 6! Whether your status says "active" or "inactive" you are legally entitled to vote.
If you are "inactive," your name will not be in the poll books at your polling station. Ask the poll workers for an affidavit ballot. Follow the instructions carefully and cast your ballot. Don't forget to pick up your "I Voted" sticker.
By voting on November 6, inactive voters in New York City will fix their voter status and become active voters. Remember, vote in each and every election!"
NYC Votes is the non-partisan voter engagement campaign of the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) and its Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC). In addition to promoting voter registration, participation, and civic engagement in New York City through its many programs and partnerships, NYC Votes sponsors the city’s official Debate Program and produces the citywide Voter Guide.