In a comment to Gotham webmaster’s blog on a topic unrelated to today’s commentary, I posted, “Participation Matters.”  That comment equally applies to this space today.  Whether you live in New York City, across the Hudson in New Jersey, in suburban counties north or east, or anywhere in the U.S.A. (or are an American abroad), your vote this (and any) year makes a difference.

46 years ago this month I first editorialized about the importance of voting as editor-in-chief of Hofstra Law School’s CONSCIENCE. I share the opening paragraphs which remain as relative today:

Many imagine politics to be the art of getting elected and, once elected, staying in office; but there is more to politics than simply running for office. Politics describes the processes whereby people, individuals and groups, interact to provide for the needs of society.

Everything we do is affected by politics: garbage collection, snow removal, drinkable water, available electricity, driving age. All are factors influenced by decisions made at one or more of the many levels of government.

While much of the Election 2026 focus revolves around the federal “midterms,” New Yorkers vote for Statewide officers — Governor/Lt. Governor, State Attorney General and State Comptroller, their local State Senator and Member of the (State) Assembly.  New York City residents including this commentator also face several proposals to amend the City Charter (As to these ballot items, I recommend you weigh whether each proposal increases or decreases community engagement and input. ). I offer no endorsements as I view this space as strictly non-partisan and prefer to honor that dynamic; indeed, I already exercised this most precious right in our democracy — our right to vote — in my case by mail.  

With early voting in New York commencing next Friday, October 24, I remind folks to join me in making a difference by voting in person early or on Election Day 2026, Tuesday, November 3, or by mail ballot (postmarked by November 3). So please respond to this annual Autumn appeal and exercise this most precious right — your right to vote — our democracy offers.

In New York City, you can find your poll site or early voting location at this link.  

For your convenience find the Early Voting times as follow:

Saturday, October 24, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 25, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Monday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 27, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 28, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 29, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friday, October 30, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 31, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 1, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

If you plan to vote by mail:

Request your ballot online or mail by Saturday, October 24, or

request it in person by Monday, November 2.

The final Postmark Date for mail-in ballots is Tuesday, November 3.

Mail-in ballots must be received by Tuesday, November 10.

As I emphasized in my 2025 blog,  Waste not!

As to the outcome November 3 (or thereafter since counting might take longer), my annual post election talk occurs Wednesday, November 18 (Email Lisa Waterman if you want to join us.).