NEW YORK, Nov 8, Caribbean American legislators are urging voters in the community to exercise their franchise and cast ballots on Tuesday during the critical United States midterm elections.
“Early voting data shows that Democratic voter turnout has been strong in Brooklyn and NYC (New York City), and although there are some unusually tight races – including the Gubernatorial race – we are confident that even more Democrats will show up on Election Day to keep Brooklyn, New York City, and New York State Blue,” said Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair New York State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Herman.
“Brooklyn led the five boroughs in early voting turnout, and overall early voting was higher than the 2021 General Election and Mayoral Election,” Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
Bichotte Hermelyn, the representative for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, is on Tuesday’s ballot but is unopposed.
“As the nation’s largest Democratic County party, we are well aware of our vital role and responsibility in engaging our party for these pivotal midterm elections and have been relentlessly getting out the vote through rallies, events, digital outreach, and going door-to-door to every corner of the borough,” Bichotte Hermelyn added.
She said some of the competitive races in Brooklyn, where the Brooklyn Democratic Party has endorsed and supported candidates, include New York State Assembly Democratic candidates Haitian American Mathylde Frontus (46th Assembly District), Steven Cymbrowitz (45th Assembly District), William Colton (47th Assembly District); and Peter Abate (49th Assembly District).
Bichotte Hermelyn said the Brooklyn Democratic Party has also endorsed New York State Senate Democratic candidate Iwen Chu (Senate District 17) and US Democratic Congressional candidate Max Rose (11th Congressional District).
In addition, for statewide races, Bichotte Hermelyn said the Brooklyn Democratic Party had endorsed New York State Governor Kathy Hochul; New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado; US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer; New York State Attorney General Letitia James; and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
The Brooklyn Democratic Party chair is also urging Caribbean and other voters to cast ballots for four proposals, which would amend New York State Constitution if passed. These proposals are for clean water and clean air, and the Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 would allow for state bonds to be sold to fund environmental projects.
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, is also urging voters in New York to “flip the ballot to weigh in on critical racial justice proposals.
“It’s possible there’s never been a more important time to make our voices heard with our votes. The three citywide proposals on the ballot this November could make a real, direct, tangible difference in how our city takes on systemic injustices, but New Yorkers need to show up and vote on them. When you go to the polls, remember to flip the ballot,” he told CMC.
“If these proposals pass, we will be able to move towards an equitable and just city. This will bring new opportunities to those who have disproportionately been negatively impacted for generations.”
New York State Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants, who represents the 58th Assembly District, has been urging Caribbean and other residents to go out and vote on Tuesday.
“I will not sit idly by and assume I’ve won this Assembly seat,” said Chandler-Waterman, who earlier this year succeeded Jamaican Nick Perry, now serving as US Ambassador to Jamaica.
“The people of the 58th District have seen me on the campaign trail for this election because I will not take them or their votes for granted. Representing a community is a gift you earn,” she told CMC.
“My community wants a representative who will work tirelessly to fight gun violence and champion the policies that support easing financial burdens like student loan debt, protects immigrants from despicable acts like those of the Texas Governor who lied to hundreds of immigrants when he bused across state lines to New York, and the decision that took away the right for women to make their own healthcare decisions,” Chandler-Waterman said.
She said voting and other rights are being threatened nationwide by Republicans and Conservatives, urging voters to get to the polls to protect their rights and the future.
“Please don’t forget to flip the ballot. There are three ballot proposals, and I encourage you to vote yes on all.
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, is also appealing to the Caribbean community to vote in Tuesday’s mid-term elections.
“My work is only amplified if you go out and do what?” asked Clarke, addressing the Gala 43rd Independence Anniversary Ball of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at Russo’s on the Bay in the Howard Beach section of Queens, New York.
Patrons responded resoundingly: “Vote!”
“There are those who want to discourage you from voting. When we vote, we do what? We win.
“Get it together. Reach out to everyone, and, on November 8, let us unleash a power, so they don’t have to ask,” Clarke added.
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