Oct. 26, 2023 By Rachel Butler
Flushing Council Member Sandra Ung, joined the Veritas Academy Civics Team on Flushing Campus on Oct. 26 for a voters registration drive.
More than 100 students registered to vote at the event, with many taking registration forms with them to fill out at home.
The general election is right around the corner, scheduled for Nov. 7, and students who are 17 years old are now eligible to pre-register to vote in future elections, while students who turn 18 before Election Day are eligible to vote in this year’s election, provided they register before the deadline.
“I want to thank the Civics Team for all of their hard work and the enthusiasm and energy they brought as we registered new voters,” said Ung. “Voting isn’t just a responsibility, it’s an incredible opportunity to be part of the change that you want to see in the world. It was great to see so many young people interested in taking the first step toward becoming active, informed citizens. However, registration is just the first step, now it is time to get out and vote and make your voice heard at the polls.”
The last day to register and still be eligible to vote in the Nov. 7 general election is Saturday, Oct. 28. It is also possible to register to vote online at the NYC Votes website.
“Local elections don’t always get the same attention as national ones, but they have a direct impact on our daily lives,” Ung added. “Decisions made at the local level affect our schools, parks, housing, transit and so much more. Whether you are student registering to vote for the first time or a longtime voter, when you vote in local elections you are shaping the future of your community.”
Although election day is on Nov. 7, the early voting period begins Saturday, Oct. 28, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 5. Early voting and election day poll sites are likely different locations and can be found on the city’s Board of Elections website.
Flushing Campus is home to over 3,000 students who attend Veritas Academy, Flushing High School, and Queens High School for Language Studies.
Students from the three high schools on the Flushing Campus register to vote for the first time with the help of the Veritas Academy Civics Team. Photo courtesy of the office of Sandra Ung