Join NYDLC on Saturday 2/17
Voting Rights Advocates Albany Caucus Weekend 

Please RSVP below

"Caucus Weekend" is Fri. Feb 16- Sun. Feb 18 (see the official schedule and be sure to register here). NYDLC members will join the 47th Annual legislative conference of the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators to highlight the centrality and importance of voting rights, as the best means to achieve the many policy-reform goals important to NYers.

9:15-10:30 AM, The Voting Rights Act, Voting Laws, and Early Voting (with optional free CLE credit*), Legislative Office Building (LOB), Albany, Hearing Room B. Sponsored by Assemblymember Walker and Senator Comrie, this workshop will explore the history, origins and future of the Voting Rights Act, including the benefits of early voting and why New Yorker’s need it. Attendees who are attorneys may receive one free NYS Professional Practice CLE credit, *which is pending approval by the NYS CLE board. This live presentation is appropriate for the general public and both newly-admitted and experienced attorneys.

2:00-3:30 PM, Voter ID Laws: Are They Legal? (with optional free CLE credit*), Legislative Office Building (LOB), Albany, Room 211A. This program will explore the history, case laws and legal theories used to challenge Voter ID laws across the country, including the detrimental impact that has been recognized by courts to impact African American and Hispanic communities. Attendees who are attorneys may receive one free NYS Professional Practice credit, *which is pending approval by the NYS CLE Board. This live presentation is appropriate for the general public and both newly-admitted and experienced attorneys.

3:30-4:45 PM, Census 2020, Redistricting, Voting Rights Districts, Legislative Office Building (LOB), Albany, Hearing Room B. Sponsored by Assemblymember Walker and Senator Comrie, this workshop focuses on the 2020 Census and redistricting. The 2020 Cencus will determine how billions of dollars in public funding will be allocated and geographical political representation. Many changes are proposed by the Trump administration and the Republican Congress. Workshop will provide updates, analysis, and recommendations for a successful 2020 Census, the redistricting process, and enhancement of voting rights. Workshop will teach voters how to spot, recognize, and combat "dirty tricks" intended to suppress voting.

          Voting is a fundamental right. But throughout U.S. history and even today, states have raised (or failed to remove) barriers that make it difficult for many communities to effectively exercise these core civil rights. Modernizing voter access and improving civic engagement will strengthen our democracy, making it more representative and responsive to the needs of our communities. 

          Caucus Weekend is a great opportunity to meet with Elected Officials and Community Leaders and help spread the word about NYDLC's work and the urgent need for election law reform in New York. NYDLC and New York Democrats are fighting to #LetNYVote, and are prioritizing major overhaul legislation in 2018 that will help protect fundamental voting rights and improve voter participation. But it won't happen on its own! There are also workshops and panels on important policy areas, including voting rights.

          NYDLC continues to advocate for convenient pro-voter reforms like bringing Early Vote to New York (a goal NYDLC has pursued for several years), revolutionizing the way we register voters by enacting a system of automatic voter registration, same-day registration, simplified ballot design, registration portability, online registration, pre-registration for the next generation of voters, and more. But these are big priorities, and we can't achieve them without your relentless dedication, active participation, and continued support. 

Unfortunately, NYDLC is unable to provide transportation to Albany for Caucus Weekend. If you will be driving, looking to carpool, or want to discuss transportation options, please email [email protected]

Please RSVP below