Brooklyn and Queens Democratic Party Chairs Call on NYC Board of Elections to Deploy Cooling Systems and Distribute Bottled Water on Election Day
Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair and Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, and Congressman Gregory Meeks, Chair of the Queens Democratic Party, today released the following statement:
“As temperatures are expected to reach near triple digits with heat warnings in effect for next Tuesday, we are concerned that the NYC Board of Elections is not equipped to handle the heat wave approaching this upcoming election day. It is of utmost importance that an immediate and effective, meaningful plan to protect people's right to vote is developed.
As the Chairs of the Kings and Queens Democratic Parties, we have consulted with outside experts and leaders who believe that more can and must be done to provide a cool and comfortable environment for those who wish to vote in person at their nearby polling site.
Simply put, the BOE plan to install fans and ensure ‘water is available’ on site is not sufficient to sustain a healthy and safe environment for the many vulnerable New Yorkers who will be showing up in person on Election Day. Therefore, we urge the BOE to develop a more robust and comprehensive plan. All polling sites should have portable air conditioning systems and staff to distribute bottled water.
Just one day after the federal Juneteenth holiday, which marks the end of slavery, the BOE should ensure that everyone, especially the commonly disenfranchised communities of color, can cast their vote safely.”
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