National Voter Registration Day - September 17th

+ Quicksand + Harlem

Author

The Harlem Neighborhood Block Association
September 13, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

This Tuesday, Sept. 17, is National Voter Registration Day, a nonpartisan civic holiday dedicated to celebrating our democracy.

Here are a few things you should know to fulfill your civic duty.

When is the next general election?

Tuesday, Nov. 5

What races will be on the ballot?

In addition to the president and vice president, Americans will choose who will hold all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Thirteen state and territorial governorships and numerous other state and local elections will also be up for grabs.

Who can vote?

You can vote if you:

—are a United States citizen (either by birth or naturalization)

—meet your state’s residency requirements

—are at least 18 years old. Some states allow 17-year-olds to pre-register if they will be 18 before the general election; however, you must be 18 to vote.

When is the last day to register to vote?

In some states, the deadline is as early as Oct. 4. In New York state, the registration deadline is Oct. 26 for both online and paper applications. A full list of deadlines for registering can be found here.

How can I get an absentee ballot to vote in another state?

Rules vary by state, but in general, you can apply for an absentee ballot and vote in your home state. Visit Vote 411 for information.

Who should I vote for?

We can’t tell you that, but several great nonpartisan voter information sites offer information on candidates, including their biographies, voting records, positions on issues, and campaign contributors. Visit Vote Smart, Vote 411, or Ballot Ready for more.

Quicksand by Nella Larsen

In Quicksand the lead character asks a former fiance, "how did he like New York Harlem?"

The text continues:

He didn't, it seemed, like it. It was nice to visit, but not to live in. Oh, there were so many things he didn't like about it, the rush, the lack of home life, the crowds, the noisy meaning. lessness of it all.


On Helga's face there had come that pityingly sneering look peculiar to imported New Yorkers when the city of their adoption is attacked by alien Americans. With polite contempt she inquired: "And is that all you don't like?" 

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