Sep 18, 2020
As we draw closer to Election Day, I want to remind New Yorkers again that amid the pandemic, you have several options to ensure your safety when casting your vote this year. Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy and it is important that we can exercise our right to vote while being mindful of public health. This year, New Yorkers worried about in-person voting due to COVID can request an absentee ballot through a new online portal. (Please note that you must already be registered to vote at your current address. If you aren't registered to vote, or need to change your voter registration address, visit https://elections.ny.gov for more info.)
New Yorkers who prefer to vote in person but are concerned about lines can vote in person during New York's Early Voting period (October 24 - November 1) — check your local Board of Elections to find out where you can vote early. And of course you can vote on November 3rd, which is Election Day. Polling places will be taking measures to ensure voter safety. Make sure your voice is heard.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. The total number of hospitalizations remains low. Yesterday, there were 486 total hospitalizations. Of the 91,504 tests reported yesterday, 896, or 0.98 percent, were positive. Sadly, we lost three New Yorkers to the virus.
2. The U.S. Open Championship begins today. Earlier in July, I announced that the U.S. Open would be held at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, and today marks the start of the first of six championship tournaments. Due to the pandemic, the U.S. Open is taking place without fans.
3. Mental health resources are available to any New Yorker who needs them. The ongoing effects of this pandemic are impacting many people's mental health. New Yorkers can call the state's hotline at 1-844-863-9314 to get free emotional support, consultations and referrals to a provider or visit headspace.com/ny for free meditation and mindfulness resources.
4. One of the greatest concerns of this pandemic is making sure all New Yorkers have access to food. No New Yorker should go to bed hungry. To find a food pantry that services your county, visit ny.gov/foodbanks
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": To remind people to complete the Census, one Westchester community put together, "A Mamaroneck Census Poem in the Style of Dr. Seuss." The video poem features local leaders reading clever rhymes to remind residents how the Census benefits the town and why it is so important that everyone take a few minutes to fill it out. Listen here.
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