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.
what you can do to fight back
get trained
Training is the best way to get up to speed, connected to others, and on your way to action.
We’re offering trainings in taking nonviolent action, talking to your neighbors, and more as we prepare for what’s ahead.
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.
Click the images below, or check out our full drive, to find resources you can use to share this information with your community.
Foldable Zine 8.5x11
8.5x11 Flyer
8.5x11 Flyer Spanish
Palm Card 4x9
Palm Card 4x9
Palm Card 4x9 Spanish
Social Post Overview
Social Post Subway Map
get ready to take action
We can’t know exactly what lies ahead, and we need to be ready to take sustained action in case of election sabotage. This includes protests, boycotts, and other actions that can spark real change.
Our trainings prepare you for different tactics and action types, our materials can be used to bring more people into the fight, and our team is cooking up new ways to get involved every day.
When you sign up with Hands Off NYC, we only send important updates, ways to get involved and trained, and information you might need. When things go down, we’ll tell you where to show up.
By providing your phone number, you agree to receive SMS text messages from Hands Off NYC. Standard messaging and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out.
election
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.