Voter Suppression

In Hudson County, there is a push to change elections to one day. They say it would save our budgets. But they are WRONG--this is a simple notion of Voter Suppression. And here's why we believe it's time to fight and advocate for voter's right to vote, on who runs our government.

Dear Editor:

Elections:

Jersey City is facing some hard times and challenges, and strong leadership is needed. There’s a strong move and push for our elections to be moved to November. Which bring great concerns to me as an advocate of Hudson County, New Jersey? And this type of populous movement to radically change elections, will present a dead challenge that we are facing today. The whole notion that candidates matter when it comes to election, plus the simple principals that advocates are born to provide the public with the basic information needed. I support Steven Fulop on how he handles a lot of things. Yet, this move to decrease the public’s perception, and marginalize elections—will deter voters from engaging into local politics. And for those that are constant voters, it will take away their advocacy voice. The movement to move elections to November is being spearheaded by Dan Levin. I have also had the opportiunity to stand side-by-side with Dan on key issues. Yet, this one I can’t allow him to influence and make critical decisions on or about.

I am writing this letter on asking the public to contact your elected leaders, and have them suppress this attempt to sway voter’s rights and privileges. What many people don’t know is that if you are a newly registered voter – you right to vote will only happen in a General Election. Since new voters can’t vote in the current election if they are first time voters. And if you recently moved to a new location, you voting right may be disqualified because you lose that record on a voting history. And that process won’t have the due diligence of an out of cycle election—such as the mayor, or school board. Now I know Mr. Dan Levin isn’t a bad guy but to sway voters from voting on an issue to cut the budget is a lack of concern for the people to have the right to advocate for a better government. And I am saying: Candidates matter when it comes to elections, and not the day, or the party they hold.

As the Hudson County representative for the DCCC, DNC and perennial candidate for the newly revamped 8th district in Hudson County! I am asking you to protect your rights to vote. Demand more debates, for local candidate—demand that candidates present themselves to the local block organizations, and the civic groups, and participate in these elections. Because if we have one election cycle, a lot of people will not be able to vote come November.

I would also, like to make one point as well. When you have first time voters--who register in the coming year: they will not be able to vote that year, if the elections where held in November (ONLY). (Since a lot of new voters vote in mayoral elections) They would have to make sure they are registered before the primary of a state or federal election before they can vote. And if there's no local election, they can't learn the system on how to vote until the November election. So now you will have broken ballots --(CHAD) because of voter confusion. Then let say, a person moved -- well they can only vote on a provisionary status, and many times their vote isn't counted in the popular vote. And the way for them to stabilize their voting credentials are to vote on a normal basis -- (municipal and BoE elections) if you take that away you will have a whole lot of people not being able to vote in November because of first time voters, people who recently changed their address-- old voters who are inspired to vote on a CANDIDATE. Just changing the date to create more of an illusion of a voter turnout--doesn't help the an election cycle. Don't save cost on budget items, and basically take the general public out of elections. The reason why we have a system of elections is because of CANDIDATES. Elections are created to know more about the candidates that will lead our government. Taking the people power away is a shameful tactic of voter Suppression. And I will fight any type of voter suppression "right" at the chopping blocks. In fact, this Election Year just might wake me up, and make me fight harder for (People's Change) not principal change.