Co-op City Times / June 12, 2021
Voting
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races, including NYC Mayor, Comptroller, Bronx Borough President, City Councilman, and more. With Ranked Choice Voting, up to five candidates can be chosen in order of preference. According to Vote. nyc: “If a candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice votes, they are the winner. If no candidate earns more than 50% of first-choice votes, then counting will continue in rounds. At the end of each round, the candidate with the fewest votes will be eliminated.” Residents who vote in-person should practice social distancing and wear a face mask while casting their election responses. Like last year, due to COVID-19, all New York City citizens who are “affected by COVID-19 and/or the potential of contracting the virus,” are encouraged to stay home and consider filling out an absentee ballot, especially if they cannot get to a polling location on Election Day. Absentee ballots must be postmarked or brought in person to the Board of Elections by June 22. On Election Day, Tuesday, June 22, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cooperators new to the community or unsure of their polling site can June 22 Primary Elections – Early log onto https://nyc.pollsitelocator.com/search Voting starts Friday, June 12 – Sunand plug your building address into the poll site day, June 20. Early Voting for all Co-op location, or call the Bronx office of New York City residents will be in room 31 of the City Board of Elections at 718-299-9017.
Early Voting in Primary Elections
Bartow Center. Schedule Saturday, June 12, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, June 13, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, June 14, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday, June 17, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, June 18, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, June 19, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun., June 20, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (last day)
Voters will be using Ranked Choice Voting. Poll workers will assist, if necessary. Bring the Fastpass received in the mail. If you do not have one, poll workers will look up your voting info.
Childcare
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care would be available for parents who work 20 hours or more per week. Mayor de Blasio and city legislators feel the current state guidelines and eligibility rules are “outdated and rigid,” according to the Mayor’s office. The Mayor and city lawmakers are also hoping to loosen a lot of the state requirements that often prevent a lot of families from even being eligible to apply for financial assistance. When President Biden passed the Great American Rescue Plan back in March, New York State received roughly $100 billion with $12 billion specifically earmarked for education and childcare. According to the Mayor’s office, there is still money left from that last COVID-19 relief bill, which New York State could use toward the expansion of child care access for a lot of families. “We must put families, and most importantly our children, at the center of our recovery,” said Melanie Hartzog, Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services. “There is no better way to do that than to expand child care access and stabilize the child care sector. Quality early education and care is something every child deserves, and is a proven investment in our future. The need is urgent and we must respond.” The expansion of low-cost and free child care is a major aspect of the Mayor’s plan for New York City’s recovery. Earlier this year, Mayor de Blasio announced that the 3-K For All program would expand this fall to every school district in New York City. Starting next fall, the 3-K For All program hopes to be supporting roughly 40,000 three-year olds beginning their academic journey. The window to apply to a 3-K program opened back in February and the deadline to apply was April 30. However, parents who have not done so should create a myschools.nyc account in order to apply to 3-K programs. The portal shows parents a directory of all available 3-K program options and waitlists. Parents who have questions, need assistance with the 3-k application process or wish to apply over the phone can also call 718-935-2009.
In Memoriam –– Carlos Cortez Carlos Cortez, a long time resident of Building 18, passed away on April 15, 2021. He will be forever missed by his loving family and many friends. Rest in Peace, Zetroc. ––Rosemary Cortez
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