NYS ERA/PROP 1

Jul 15, 2024

Click HERE for Volunteer Opportunities. Phonebanks and more.

Volunteers needed: New Yorkers for Equal Rights

August 10: Tabling at  Abingdon Square from 9:30am - 11:30am and in Tribeca Greenmarket from 12:00-2:00pm to distribute flyers and as for volunteer sign ups
Check back here for additional ways to volunteer - tabling, postcarding and more. 
If you'd like to donate to help, please click HERE.

NY ERA/PROP 1 Volunteers Needed

The NY ERA (Prop 1) is an amendment to the NYS Constitution that explicitly protects people who experience discrimination. It will be on the NYS ballot this November, and we can vote on it. However, it will take us all to ensure this amendment passes. Several action initiatives are planned over the next few months. Below are several ways to get involved.

  • Tabling: 
    • August 10 at  Abingdon Square from 9:30 am - 11:30 am and in Tribeca Greenmarket from 12:00-2:00 pm to distribute flyers and ask for volunteer sign-ups
    • August 24: Tabling at  Abingdon Square from 9:30 am - 11:30 am and in Tribeca Greenmarket from 12:00-2:00 pm to distribute flyers and ask for volunteer sign-ups
  • Postcard Writing Party:  August 19, from 6 pm to 9 pm, Join Downtown Independent Democrats for a postcard-writing party hosted by DID. To RSVP, email [email protected]. (If someone in VID would like to host a postcard-writing party, email [email protected], and we can help arrange it.)
  • State-Wide Day of Action: August 17: Tables will be set up at Abingdon Square from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and in Tribeca Greenmarket from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to distribute flyers and increase visibility in the community.
  • Canvassing and phone banking opportunities are planned, and we will update the VID website with details accordingly.
  • Donation link: New Yorkers for Equal Rights — Donate via ActBlue

Urgent Action is Needed - Abortion and LGBTQ Rights are on the November Ballot!

 

NY ERA - Vote YES on Prop 1!

The NY ERA (Prop 1) is an amendment to the NYS Constitution that adds explicit protections for people who experience discrimination. It will be on the NYS ballot this November, and we will have the chance to vote on it. However, it will take us all to ensure this amendment passes. Several action initiatives are planned over the next few months. See below for details (VID will update the website on weekly reminders: 

  • Submit public comments: The campaign to send ballot language comments before the July 26 deadline continues (see the Take Action section for full instructions and links).
  • Postcards: The campaign will have postcard scripts and a mailing list for where to send the postcards in early August. VID will keep you updated so we can get writing! 
  • Canvassing: Event likely August 10
  • Phonebanking: Locations and timing in process. 

The NY ERA (Proposal 1) is an amendment to the NYS Constitution that explicitly protects people who experience discrimination. It will be on the NYS ballot this November, and we will have the chance to vote on it. There is currently a public commenting period on the proposed ballot language. Please send them an email (see our suggested script below). The more people who submit this feedback, the more likely it is that the Board of Elections (BOE) revises the language. Right now, the language is unclear and uses terms that may cause confusion among voters, which could lead to them leaving it blank. We need to pass the NY ERA to protect our rights! See more information here.

Urgent Action: Email the NYS BOE during the public commenting period to demand clear and understandable language for the ballot measure Proposal 1—the NY ERA! The most important point to get across is that we want the language to include "abortion" and "LBGT" because that language is clear to everyone. 

Actions: Send the email, ask your friends and family in NY to send the email, and let us know you've taken this action below. The last day to submit comments is July 26, but the sooner, the better.

Copy and paste the letter below and email to [email protected]: 

*****

To the Commissioners of the New York State Board of Elections,

My name is (your full name), and I live in (your city/town). I'm writing to provide feedback on the proposed ballot language for Proposal 1. First, the proposed language does not adhere to the plain language law signed by Gov Hochul last year that says ballot measures must be written at an 8th-grade reading level. You can use simpler words to make the language more understandable. 

For example, “reproductive healthcare and autonomy” is unclear to me. I am not sure from this language if this amendment includes protections for abortion. Does it? Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, I want to be certain that I am voting for an amendment that protects abortion. 

Also, the terms "sexual orientation and “gender identity” are not well-known terms for me and most New Yorkers. Please use "LGBT," as that acronym is much clearer. As a New York voter, the term “LGBT” helps me understand exactly what the ERA would do—protect communities who face ongoing discrimination in our state.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

(your full name)

*****

Take Further Action!

  • You can also mail to the New York State Board of Elections, 40 North Pearl Street, Suite 5, Albany, NY 12207
  • Ask your friends and family in NY to send the email, and let us know you've taken this action below.
  • Record your participation: As part of the NY ERA coalition, VID has been asked to get at least 10 of our members to submit an email during the public commenting period. Let's get a strong turnout from VID! Email [email protected] and let us know if you sent an email to the NYC BOE!