Bushwick has become a focal point in the battle against voter suppression and for voter mobilization. As diverse as it is dynamic, Bushwick faces unique challenges in ensuring its residents’ voices are heard at the ballot box. This story delves into the experiences of Bushwick’s marginalized communities, the efforts to overcome voter suppression, and the innovative strategies employed to mobilize voters.
Bushwick, historically a working-class neighborhood with a significant population of immigrants and people of color, has long faced economic and social challenges. These challenges are exacerbated by systemic barriers that make voting more difficult for its residents. Issues such as limited access to polling stations, confusing voter ID laws, and language barriers disproportionately affect Bushwick’s diverse community.
According to the New York City Campaign Finance Board’s (CFB) 2022-2023 Voter Analysis Report, several groups are particularly underrepresented in the electoral process. These include young voters under the age of 30, immigrant voters with limited English proficiency, voters with disabilities, and those with criminal records. These groups face unique challenges that deter them from participating fully in the democratic process.
Maria Hernandez Park handball courts. Photo for Bushwick Daily by Alec Meeker
The GoVoteNYC Fund has significantly impacted voter engagement and turnout in Brooklyn. This initiative, part of The New York Community Trust, focuses on increasing voter participation, particularly in underrepresented communities, through grants and support to local nonprofit organizations.
Key impacts include:
- Increased voter turnout: GoVoteNYC’s efforts have notably improved voter participation rates, especially among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. For instance, BIPOC voters canvassed by GoVoteNYC partners in 2021 voted at nearly double the rate of those not contacted.
- Community engagement: The fund supports nonprofits like the Hispanic Federation and the Asian American Federation, which conduct culturally and linguistically specific outreach. These organizations have seen significant success, such as the Hispanic Federation doubling Hispanic voter turnout in their targeted areas.
- Capacity building: GoVoteNYC funding has allowed nonprofits to expand their capacities by hiring additional staff, training volunteers, and enhancing their outreach programs. This has been particularly crucial for organizations like the New York Civic Engagement Table and MinKwon Center for Community Action, which have increased their voter engagement efforts across Brooklyn and beyond.
- Strategic collaborations: The initiative has fostered collaboration among various community groups, helping to build a more robust civic engagement infrastructure in Brooklyn. Nonprofit partners have shared resources and strategies and participated in joint events, strengthening the overall impact of their voter engagement activities.
Overall, the GoVoteNYC Fund has played a crucial role in mobilizing voters, reducing participation gaps, and building a stronger civic infrastructure in Brooklyn and other parts of New York City.
Data also highlights the extent of the challenge. Citywide voter turnout rates have been a concern, with significant variations across different boroughs. For instance, Manhattan typically sees higher voter turnout rates compared to boroughs like the Bronx and Brooklyn, where Bushwick is located. The disparity is further evident when analyzing voter turnout by age, with younger voters (18-29) consistently showing lower participation rates compared to older demographics.
Voter registration rates also reflect these challenges. While citywide efforts have been made to increase registration, the rates vary significantly across boroughs. Bushwick often falls behind in these metrics. These statistics underscore the need for targeted voter mobilization efforts in neighborhoods like Bushwick to ensure equitable participation in the electoral process.
A comparative analysis shows that voter suppression challenges in Bushwick are similar to those in other diverse urban neighborhoods. For instance, neighborhoods in Los Angeles and Philadelphia also face barriers such as restrictive ID laws and limited polling locations, but have seen success with similar grassroots mobilization efforts.
In response to these barriers, various grassroots organizations and community activists are working to mobilize voters and ensure that every voice is heard. One such initiative is the NYC Votes campaign, which aims to encourage voter registration and participation across all eligible New York City residents. This campaign has identified underrepresented voters and prioritized efforts to engage them through targeted outreach and education.
The NYC Votes initiative has employed a multifaceted approach to voter mobilization. Their strategies include digital advertising on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, which are particularly effective in reaching younger voters. Additionally, they have placed ads in public spaces like subway entrances and bus shelters in low-turnout neighborhoods, ensuring that the message of civic engagement is visible to all.
The effectiveness of these efforts is evident in the increased engagement and turnout observed in the 2022 elections. For example, in the general election of November 2022, NYC Votes achieved over 124 million total impressions through their combined digital and out-of-home ads, significantly raising awareness about the importance of voting.
Technological integration is crucial for modern voter mobilization. The use of mobile apps and online voter registration has streamlined the process, especially for younger, tech-savvy voters. Studies show that digital campaigns and targeted social media ads effectively increase youth voter turnout.
Vote NYC recently launched their online voter registration program. To learn more about this program, visit Vote NYC’s registration page.
The real impact of voter suppression and mobilization efforts can be seen in the personal stories of Bushwick residents. Maria Lopez, a long-time resident and community organizer, tells Bushwick Daily her struggles in accessing voting information in her native Spanish. “For many of us, the language barrier is a huge obstacle. But with the help of local organizations providing materials in Spanish, we’ve been able to educate more people about their voting rights.”
Another resident, Derek Curt, who has a disability, shared his experience of difficulty in reaching accessible polling stations. “It’s not just about casting a vote; it’s about being able to get to a place where I can vote without facing physical barriers.”
Despite the progress made, there is still much work to be done. The CFB recommends changing the timing of city elections to align with federal and state elections, which typically see higher voter turnout. This change could significantly increase participation in local elections, which are crucial for addressing community-specific issues.
Additionally, there is a push for ballot proposals to be written in plain language to ensure that all voters can understand and make informed decisions. This is particularly important for voters with lower literacy levels or those for whom English is not their first language.
The story of voter suppression and mobilization in Bushwick is ongoing as locals and local organizations work to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.
Ensure your voice is heard in the upcoming election by registering to vote here. Visit Vote NYC’s website here to locate your polling place by entering your home address.
We want to hear about your voting experience! Did you vote in Bushwick this year? Was it easy or challenging? Share your stories, whether they were funny, frustrating, or heartwarming, by emailing [email protected]. Is this your first year voting? What motivated you to cast your vote? If you’re choosing not to vote this year, we’d love to understand why. Did you encounter any memorable moments at the polling station or face any difficulties? How do you think the voting process can be improved in Bushwick? Share your thoughts, challenges, and suggestions with us at [email protected].
Cover photo by Alec Meeker for Bushwick Daily