BY GIANCARLOS ASENCIO
The 14th annual National Voter Registration Day took place with a block party next to Washington Square Park as the November 3rd General Election approaches. As polls open, races are off to a fast start; in particular, the governor’s race between Kathy Hochul and Bruce Blakeman looks like a potentially competitive contest.
The event was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.; organizations such as Headcount and NYC Votes set up registration tables to encourage eligible voters to register. To spread awareness of other causes, organizations like Oxfam, which fights inequality to end poverty and injustice, and the Civic Engagement Commission, which aims to strengthen civic participation and support less fortunate communities, were also present.
To draw people in, the event included vendors like Pots on Wheels and Nixie Zero Sugar Beverages, plus registration tables with prizes, including a chance to win a trip to Madison Square Garden to see Harry Styles in October.
NYC Votes reported that 94.3% of eligible NYC voters were registered in 2025, with 260,195 first-time voters. That’s a 145.4% increase from 2017 and more than double the amount from 2021.
Because the event is held near Washington Square Park, next to universities like NYU and other colleges like City Tech, it is easier to reach youth and keep increasing their participation in elections.
“It’s part of your right as a citizen of the United States to have your voice heard, to contribute to the civic stature of our country, to make sure that your city and state are represented well, and that funding goes to your cities and your education,” said Julia Bartholomew-King, a project manager working with Headcount at the event.
Some people still believe voting doesn’t matter because they feel their voices won’t make a difference. Lemuel Frett, a senior at City College, is a bit skeptical about registering, as he feels it’s not gonna move the needle. “I’m just reluctant to vote because I feel as though I’m just one person, so it’s not like if I don’t vote that it causes much of a disruption to the races.”
On the other hand, “It’s really hard to question what’s going on in our country if you haven’t had your voice heard…Especially now, we really need to pay attention and participate in our government,” said Julia.
With November 3rd’s General Election approaching and election season heating up, organizers continue using different outreach methods to help citizens register by the October 24th deadline.