Key Takeaways:
– During presidential elections, instructional days in over 30 NYC public schools are affected by early voting.
– Parents express concern at safety breach incidents linked to early voting in schools.
– Suggestions to shift voting locations to less disruptive places like community centers, YMCAs.
– Both UFT and Citywide Council on High Schools have passed resolutions to move early voting out of schools.
– Bipartisan bills to address this concern are currently in the Legislature.
Growing Tensions Over Early Voting in NYC Schools
In this current presidential election year, more than 30 public schools in New York City have been turned into early voting sites, impacting at least 30 instructional days. This has stimulated a wave of concern among parents about the safety of their children who attend these institutions.
Safety Concerns and Incidents
Several incidents have contributed to this escalating worry, with one particularly disconcerting case involving a voter poking their head into a classroom during instruction. Votes being cast freely in hallways, and interactions between staffers and voters have all gradually added to the distress felt by parents and educational staff. Additionally, these voting days have led to sometimes wide-open doors in schools, a stark contrast to their usual locked-door and ID check policy.
Operational Impact on Schools
The operational impact of early voting on schools extends beyond safety. There have been numerous accounts of school activities and services being adversely impacted. For instance, a Manhattan voter was caught stealing a t-shirt, a Brooklyn volleyball team nearly forfeited playoffs due to their gym being off-limits, and a Staten Island school had to cancel their Halloween activities. Furthermore, disruptions to after-school programs and sports, and the replacement of students’ hot meals with cold ones, further underscore the significant toll of early voting on school life.
Ineffective Support from Leadership
Despite annual appeals from principals for support in improving security, responses have been strikingly silent. The Board of Elections has been perceived as “untouchable,” leaving schools alone to grapple with the logistical issues that come with early voting. Additionally, the existing safety measures in schools appear inadequate. Mayor Adams’ recent budget cuts have led to a reduced headcount of school safety agents, despite the increasing demands. Adams’ request for parent volunteers to heighten school security has further aggravated tensions.
Alternative Solutions to School Voting Sites
Parents and educational communities continue to be proactive in advocating for student safety. A petition to move poll sites on school days was initiated on Staten Island and later expanded to Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx, gaining widespread support. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the Citywide Council on High Schools also advocate for relocating early voting sites out of schools.
One solution that has caught attention is the approach adopted by Queens, where public schools are not used as early voting sites. Instead, other facilities such as colleges, hospitals, libraries, and community centers are utilized. This strategy is seen as a win-win, reducing the impact on educational operations and maintaining security.
Legislative Actions
Currently, bills in both chambers of the Legislature (S4604 and A2338) propose an amendment to the election law to exempt public school buildings from being designated as early polling locations. This clearly indicates that the issue transcends party lines and necessitates a unified and effective response from legislators.
Calling for Immediate Action
The Board of Elections and the Department of Education urgently need to address these concerns. As the presidential elections approach, predicted to bring record voter turnout, it is unfeasible to keep compromising student safety for civic duty. There is an urgent need for action that addresses both the security concerns and the necessity for early voting. The time for decision-making and implementation approaches rapidly, with the safety of NYC public school students hanging in balance.
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