This post is designed to do two things: inform you about what local media we’re reading and learn from you about what media you are reading. Second, we want to tell you what is on the ballot this November and that democracy in NYC happens every day of the year. We have unique position to leverage this year’s national election to understand tech and data policy issues.
Hope is the belief in the probability of the possible rather than the necessity of the probable. – Marshall Ganz
We are just a few short months away from a national election that will forever change the direction of our planet. When others say, “You don’t have power” they are really saying “I want to take power away from you.”
As a bright and capable individual, you have the power to improve this City, this State, this Nation, and this planet. You can’t do it alone. We are here to do it with you.
We cannot afford to be apathetic towards politics, democracy, or elections. Digital tools are not neutral. All technology is representative of ideology. Just think about how software governs or controls interactions. While the race to the White House and the future of American democracy is in full swing, NYC’s Mayoral and citywide races are taking shape. Now is the time to understand how digital equity, government accountability, administrative regulation, open data, net neutrality, artificial intelligence (AI), the green economy, technology, or service design in government is represented in the press (national and local).
As someone who knows a thing or two about process or interaction design, technology, or analytics, you know nothing exists within a vacuum. When it comes to improving neighborhood services, hyperlocal issues matter! As you pay attention to national policy proposals, don’t forget to tune into our local newspapers, podcasts, and newsletters.
While we are a small community, we are influential when informed. Our local press and candidates pay attention to community opinion pieces, letters to the editor, and meetings with their offices. While we are doing what we can to affect November, now is the time to sharpen your thoughts for NYC’s citywide election in 2025!!! We’ve made a database listing of local media we’re consuming and would love to have you add to it.
While we are a 501c3 and do not endorse any candidates, we fully endorse universal human rights, suffrage for all, and accountable governments (and sovereigns if that’s what the Supreme Court thinks we have as a President). Whether you’re a new voter or a tried-and-true one, and especially if you are a non-citizen, everyone has the right to knowledge and the power to inform others. We encourage you to use this time to learn, share facts, and actively dispel misinformation while getting your neighbors excited about future opportunities.
Come November 2024 in New York City, you will be voting on SIX ballot proposals. You can provide your opinion to the NYC Campaign Finance Board by September 13. If you are not registered in New York City, you have till September 17th to register. Visit TurboVote to register or you can apply to be a poll worker.
Thanks to the Electoral College, it looks like a handful of states will determine the race to the White House. Two states, Pennsylvania and Georgia, seem to be shaking out to be the most “purple.” National campaigns will host phone banks, weekend canvassing trips, and fundraisers. If you are passionate about digital equity, government accountability, administrative regulation, open data, net neutrality, AI, the green economy, technology, or service design in government, now is the time to learn where candidates stand or how they have supported prior legislation. Federal elections have a direct impact on how cities and states are funded. Federal fiscal policy matters (it sometimes forces States and Cities to use the money in highly specific ways)!!
We have a little over 60 days till November 5th, 2024, which will feature the Presidential election AND essential state and local ballot initiatives. Then, we have the New York Citywide primary that starts on June 14th, 2024. Now is the time to reflect on how these issues will impact the Citywide races, especially now that the Mayoral and Citywide races will be determined in a relatively small primary.
Lastly, elections are just one place to pay attention to in NYC. Every month, New Yorkers are engaged in community meetings at the bedrock of community issues that boil up to city issues and state funding. The four most accessible meetings are City Council Hearings, Police Precinct Councils, Community Boards, and Community Education Councils (CEC). If you don’t know your districts, check out Boundaries Map.
So gear up, roll up your sleeves, inform yourself, inform others, volunteer, and let’s get to work. We want to know what local media you are consuming! Send us a message via airtable and we’ll add it to our database.