Election Day is Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Polls are open from 6am to 9pm.

Early Voting Period is June 12, 2021 – June 20, 2021.

New York City Primary Election is just two weeks away. Is the Indian American community fully prepared to exhibit its strength? Well, some believe, its isn’t. Some others claim it is better prepared now than before. They cite the number of Indian origin candidates who have thrown their hats in the electoral ring. But does the number of Indian American candidates in the electoral fray indicate the enthusiasm of voters? Well, again, many say” No”.

The Indian American community has never been enthusiastic about voting in the elections. But for the committed voters in both the parties, very few have ever bothered to know the candidates, or support them, and much less go to polling station to cast their “valuable” vote. The question is why the community would give political donations, and yet not vote? It may be, partly because the community does not find any of the several candidates in the electoral battle strong enough to win. They prefer not to “waste” their time in campaigning or casting their vote. This despondency has been explained repeatedly by many in the Indian American community. They have to understand that it is not always a candidate from your own community who should be considered good enough to represent you, but it could be anyone. If the community backs a candidate, the candidate will feel obliged to take care of the community. It is a question of owning your candidate. The Indian American community must realize that they are a force to reckon with, being the highest earning, on an average, and one of the highly educated in the US, with ideas to influence the outcome of any election, at least at the local level. But it is also subject to one and the only condition- provided they exercise their right to vote. A right they must exercise as responsible citizens. So, folks, you have choices. Go in for early vote which opens on June 12. Or, wait till you get to the polling station on June 22. And, yes, be careful about the new Ranked Choice voting system which allows you to list your preferences. It will help to get hold of a person who is conversant with information on the system. Whatever, let your voice be heard. Do vote.