General Election – November 5th – Make Your Plan
Early Voting Starts on Saturday, October 26th
Early voting for the 2024 general election begins Saturday, October 26th and runs until Sunday, November 3rd. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th.
New Yorkers will vote for US President and Vice President, one of the state’s U.S. Senate seats, the State’s 26 Congressional seats, representatives in the state Assembly and the state Senate, as well local judges.
Registration deadlines
✓ Online*: October 26th (*) Via NYGOV ID
Absentee ballot deadlines
✓ Request ballot (received by): October 26th
✓ Return ballot by mail (postmarked by): November 5th
✓ Return ballot in person: November 5th by 9:00 p.m. EST
Voting deadlines
✓ Early voting: October 26th – November 3rd
✓ In-person: November 5th
Early Voting polls
Early voting polling places may differ from Election Day voting sites and times vary by county.
✓ NYC Voters:
In the News-New York State
Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Expand Red Light Camera Programs Across the State
Governor Kathy Hochul this week signed legislation to increase road safety by extending existing red light camera programs across the state and establishing a new red light camera program in the Hudson Valley. This includes the largest expansion of the red light camera program in New York City’s history.
The legislation package will extend, expand, or create red light camera programs in the following areas:
- New York City – Program extended to 2027 and expanded to 600 locations. (Chapter 437), sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes and AM Jeffrey Dinowitz.
- Nassau County – Program extended to 2029 (Chapter 441), sponsored by Senator Jack Martins and AM Ed Ra.
- The City of White Plains – Program extended to 2029 (Chapter 435), sponsored by Senator Shelley Mayer and AM Amy Paulin.
- The City of Albany – Program extended to 2029 (Chapter 439); sponsored by Senator Neil Breslin and AM Pat Fahy.
- The City of Kingston – Establishes new program through 2029 (Chapter 438), sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey and AM Sarahana Shrestha.
- The Town of Greenburgh – Establishes new program through 2029 (Chapter 442), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and AM MaryJane Shimsky.
- The City of Mount Vernon – Program extended to 2029 (Chapter 443), sponsored by Senator Jamaal Baily and AM Gary Pretlow.
- The City of New Rochelle – Program extended to 2029 (Chapter 440), sponsored by Senator Nathalia Fernandez and AM Amy Paulin.
In relation to New York City, Governor Hochul cited city data showing that violations at intersections equipped with red-light cameras fell 73% since the cameras were first installed 30 years ago.
“I don’t know what more you need than that data point,” she said. “When there’s a camera, drivers know about it. They’re less likely to drive through … a red light, and that means they’re less likely to kill someone on the street.”
New York City can begin installing the additional cameras in December.
The legislative package signed by the Governor also includes measures to increase the penalties for passing stopped school buses, expand the applicability of reckless driving, and mandate seatbelt requirements for charter buses:
- Chapter 433 increases penalties for overtaking and passing a school bus. The fine for a third or subsequent violation within three years will rise from $1,000 to $1,500. It was sponsored by AM William Magnarelli and Senator Jeremy Cooney.
- Chapter 436 expands the applicability of reckless driving in parking lots. Parking lots will be defined as private property with capacity for four or more cars, contiguous to premises and a roadway, parking lots adjacent to one- or two-family residences are exempt. It was sponsored by Senator John Lui and AM Nily Rozic.
- Chapter 434 requires charter bus passengers aged 8 years or older to wear seat belts. It was sponsored by AM Magnarelli and Senator Cooney.
Comptroller DiNapoli: MTA Budget Gaps Return
Projected Budget Gaps Jump from $211 Millon to $652 Million
After a brief period of financial stability secured by an infusion of state funds last year, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) now faces growing fiscal uncertainties and risks that create projected budget gaps that start at $211 million this year and increase to $652 million in 2028, according to a new report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. Those gaps could grow much wider if budget risks identified by the MTA come to pass.
“A year ago, the MTA was looking forward to a period of solid fiscal health, but its financial condition has quickly turned from stable back to uncertain,” Comptroller DiNapoli said. “Paid ridership is not coming back as fast as the MTA hoped. With farebox and tax revenues down, a pause on congestion pricing and other financial risks, significant operating budget gaps could again be on the horizon. This is a very real and troubling possibility.”
Comptroller DiNapoli’s report warns that if the loss of revenue from the pause on congestion pricing is not resolved, and if other risks noted in the MTA’s plan and the Comptroller’s report come to pass — such as an economic slowdown that damages ridership and tax revenues — budget gaps could reach as much as $3 billion in 2028.
Paid ridership in June 2024 was at about 70% of pre-pandemic numbers but it failed to grow at the expected pace in July and August. MTA’s consultant, McKinsey, has predicted subway ridership will reach 80% by the end of 2026, a much slower return than the consultant’s July 2021 prediction of 86% by the end of 2024. With paid ridership not increasing at the rate MTA had expected, the authority has had to lower its expectations for farebox revenue.
Comptroller DiNapoli’s report also highlights how uneven the ridership recovery has been across the MTA’s various systems. Long Island Rail Road is closest to pre-pandemic levels, but weekday service is still down around 20%. Metro-North is further behind. Bus ridership had initially recovered faster but has trended slightly down since June 2023.
By contrast, the 335 million crossings at the MTA’s seven bridges and two tunnels last year set a new record, with 339 million crossings expected this year. The Comptroller noted that increased toll revenue, however, has not made up for slow farebox growth, forcing the MTA to budget for $811 million less in bus and subway revenue through 2027, including $200 million annually to account for the risk of continued fare evasion.
In addition, the projected collection of real estate-related taxes has also been revised downward from the MTA’s February Plan and is expected to be $790 million lower over the next four years due to lower commercial real estate activity in New York City.
According to the Comptroller, as revenue growth is adjusted downward, the MTA’s expenses reflect growing costs for payroll and benefits, debt service, paratransit, and supplies and materials. Overtime is another growing cost, reaching $1.4 billion in 2023, above the previous record set in 2018. The MTA has authorized new hiring and projects overtime costs will drop.
Comptroller DiNapoli noted that the MTA’s financial plan also does not yet factor in recent uncertainty for funding of its 2020-2024 capital program. The pause on congestion pricing has created a $15 billion funding shortfall in that capital program, and the 2025-2029 program was approved with $33 billion in unidentified funding, for a total of $48 billion in unidentified capital funding over the two programs. The MTA, according to the Comptroller, is relying on securing funding in the state budget in the upcoming legislative session.
In the News-New York City
New York City Council Votes to Establish Licensing Program for NYC Hotels
The New York City Council Wednesday approved, (45-4 with one absence and one abstention), legislation to require hotel operators to obtain a license to operate. The bill now sits on Mayor Adams’ desk for his signature.
Introduction No. 991-C, known as the Safe Hotels Act, also provides a number of safety provisions, including continuous front desk staffing, employee panic buttons, human trafficking training, daily cleaning services, and security coverage in large hotels. Most hotels will also need to directly employ their housekeeping, front desk, and front service staff. Operators of small hotels, which are defined as hotels with fewer than 100 rooms, would be exempt from the direct employment requirement.
Licenses would be granted by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) for a fee of $350 and would be valid for two years. Applicants need to provide the department with evidence of their compliance with the safety requirements.
Rich Maroko, president of the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council, said the bill will provide “sensible health, safety and quality standards for guests and workers.”
The bill was controversial when first introduced, leading to multiple revisions. These changes led to the Hotel Association of New York City dropping its initial opposition to the bill. The bill was also supported by all five of the City’s district attorneys, as well the Police Benevolent Association.
“I am profoundly grateful for the overwhelming support the Safe Hotels Act has received from across New York City; and, in particular, among my colleagues at the Council with a bipartisan supermajority of 40 members who have signed onto this important public safety and worker protection bill,” said Council Member Julie Menin, sponsor of the legislation. “I thank Speaker Adams and the Hotel Trades Council for their support as this legislation represents a significant step forward in ensuring public safety, protecting workers, and maintaining the high standards in service our city is known for in the hospitality industry. The journey to this point has been one of collaboration. We’ve engaged in extensive negotiations, listened carefully to stakeholders from all sectors, and refined the bill to address concerns without losing sight of its core objective of public safety and worker protection. The result is a piece of legislation that will make our city safer and our workers protected. It is a testament to what we can achieve together.”
NYC Department of Investigation’s Report: Raise the Age and Bail Reform Pose Significant Challenges for the City’s Juvenile Detention Facilities
The New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”) this week issued a report examining the impact of Raise the Age (“RTA”) legislation and Bail Reform on the City Administration for Children’s Services’ (“ACS”) two juvenile detention centers: Horizon Juvenile Center in the Bronx and Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn.
DOI’s investigation found that RTA and Bail Reform have fundamentally altered the juvenile 5 detention population, rendering the existing disciplinary measures and institutional responses insufficient to deter misconduct, including acts of violence. This ineffectiveness is demonstrated by the high levels of youth-on-youth and youth-on-staff violence, security breaches, and recovery of contraband including weapons and cell phones. ACS staff are not properly trained or prepared to respond to the incidents that regularly occur within the facilities.
“DOI’s Report exposes the significant impact that Raise the Age and Bail Reform legislation have had on ACS’s two juvenile detention facilities, which now house an older population facing more serious and violent criminal charges,” DOI Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber said. “These challenging circumstances call for ACS to strengthen its behavioral management tools to better track and respond to violent and criminal conduct by residents in order to protect both residents and staff. Our investigation also establishes that these facilities need additional staff, and better protections and training for them…”
In 2017, New York State enacted RTA, which was implemented in two phases in 2018 and 2019, and raised the age of criminal responsibility to 18 years-old and allowed residents to remain in juvenile facilities until they turn 21. During RTA implementation, New York State also approved bail reforms, which took effect in January 2020 and eliminated the option to set bail or detain defendants pre-trial in most cases other than those involving designated violent felonies.
According to the report, as a result of RTA and Bail Reform legislation, Horizon and Crossroads now house an older population facing more serious and violent charges. Between April 2018, six months prior to the implementation of RTA, to May 2023, the age and the number of residents statistics for each of the juvenile detention facilities were:
- In April 2018, Horizon housed 28 residents, 10 who were 16 or older and four who had a top charge of murder. As of May 2023, those numbers increased to 115 residents, 98 who were 16 or older and 66 who had a top charge of murder.
- In April 2018, Crossroads housed 24 residents, 16 who were 16 or older and three who had a top charge of murder. As of May 2023, those numbers increased to 122 total residents, 87 who were 16 or older and 68 who had a top charge of murder.
The Report examined three main areas of concern:
1: STRIVE – A Behavioral Management Tool Used by ACS: STRIVE, which stands for Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Values, and Engagement, is a tool used to manage and document resident behavior and maintain a safe environment. DOI determined that STRIVE is inadequate to deter behaviors such as youth-on-staff assaults, security breaches, and contraband possession.
2: Safe Crisis Management: In response to an incident, staff employs Safe Crisis Management (“SCM”), a comprehensive crisis intervention behavior management system that promotes non-physical intervention. Based on DOI’s SCM training observations, as well as the incidents and discussions with staff described in the Report, DOI concludes SCM is insufficient to maintain order in the facility.
3: Staffing Challenges: With the increase in the number of residents in juvenile detention facilities, ACS has worked to increase the number of Youth Development Specialists (YDS) who are part of a team of direct care staff at the facilities. DOI’s investigation indicated an urgent need for additional 6 hires. Staffing challenges are also due in part to the relatively high number of YDS who are unable to work as a result of an injury sustained on the job, resulting in a Workers’ Compensation claim.
DOI has made 15 recommendations that include modifications to STRIVE, using legal and other means to address misconduct at the detention facilities, and improving guidance and training for staff.
Bills Approved by the City Council
Introduction 87-A, Sponsored by Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. — Expands reporting requirements to better understand the demographics and outcomes of youth in the juvenile justice system.
Introduction 468-A, Sponsored by Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams — Requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to make information available on their website regarding traffic control devices.
Introduction 771-A, Sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee — Requires the Department of Education (DOE) to provide parents with information about the interpretation and translation services that DOE offers, including information on how to access such services and examples of how these services might be used.
Introduction 733-A, Sponsored by Council Member Althea Stevens — Requires the Department of Education to report annually on information related to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including: the number of CTE schools and programs available to students, the number and percentage of students enrolled in a CTE program, and the educational and professional attainment of students in such programs.
Introduction 797-A, Sponsored by Council Member Althea Stevens — Requires the Department of Education to report annually a list of all student clubs and organizations at each school.
Briefs
State Launches New Initiative to Help New York Students Enroll at Public Colleges and Universities
Governor Kathy Hochul this week announced the launch of the SUNY Top 10% Promise Program, creating a direct pathway for the highest-achieving New York high school seniors to gain admission and enroll at select SUNY colleges and universities.
The Top 10% Promise is a direct-admissions program that automatically grants acceptance to graduating high school students whose GPAs are in the top 10 percent of their class and meet specific 7 academic readiness criteria to at least one selective SUNY campus. The program will take effect for high school seniors preparing to enroll for the Fall 2025 semester.
The nine initial participating campuses are: University at Albany, University at Buffalo, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Purchase College, and Stony Brook University.
In addition, the State University of New York, the City University of New York and over 50 private colleges and universities throughout New York State are offering free application opportunities for high school seniors during New York State College Application Month.
The State University of New York (SUNY) will waive up to five application fees per student across its 64 colleges and universities from October 21st through November 3rd. The City University of New York (CUNY) is waiving application fees across all 25 campuses for high school seniors attending New York City public schools from October 21st to November 15th and from November 4th to November 15th for all New York State residents applying as a college freshman. CUNY further guarantees admission to all seven of its community colleges for all NYC Public Schools graduates, while private institutions across the state are offering fee waivers that vary by campus.
NYC Announces Finalized E-Bike Trade-In Program to Keep New Yorkers Safe From Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
The Adams Administration announced Department of Transportation (DOT) final rules governing the city’s municipal trade-in pilot program for unsafe electric bikes and other electric-powered mobility devices and their batteries. The rules will allow eligible food delivery workers to replace their unsafe devices with certified, high-quality e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries.
The $2 million trade-in program was established in response to Local Law 131 of 2023, sponsored by New York City Council member Keith Powers. Selected participants will receive a UL-certified e-bike and two compatible, UL-certified batteries in exchange for their unsafe devices and batteries. By swapping these illegal devices for UL-certified e-bikes and batteries, the program will reduce fire and crash risks, and help participants comply with local and state laws.
Eligible participants must reside in New York City, be at least 18 years of age, own an eligible working device, and have earned at least $1,500 in 2024 as a food delivery worker.
Also, in the coming months, DOT will publish final rules that will expedite approvals for property owners to install electric micromobility device battery swapping and charging cabinets on public sidewalks, which is currently prohibited. This rule will enable property owners, or commercial tenants with the property owner’s consent, to apply for a permit to install a battery swapping and charging cabinet in front of their business on the sidewalk. Each cabinet must comply with specific siting and dimensional requirements and undergo FDNY and DOB review and approval.
Majority of Eligible New Yorkers Have Registered as Organ Donors
Governor Kathy Hochul this week announced that for the first time, more than 50 percent of the eligible New Yorkers have registered to become organ and tissue donors through New York’s Organ Donor Registry.
According to the Governor, this milestone is particularly significant for New York, which has historically had one of the lowest organ donor registry enrollment rates in the country. The State was at 22 percent a decade ago.
Nearly 8,000 New Yorkers are currently on the waitlist for an organ donation. A single donor can save up to eight lives and heal 75 more through organ and tissue donation.
NYS Fall Foliage Report
Gorgeous peak foliage will be arriving throughout much of the Thousand Islands-Seaway, Greater Niagara, Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley regions this weekend, while near-peak colors will be found throughout much of Long Island, and New York City will mostly see a mix of early to midpoint change. This is according to the field reports from more than 85 volunteer observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program.
I LOVE NY defines “peak” as the best overall appearance the foliage will have during the season, taking into account color transition, brilliance, and leaf droppage.
Coming Up
New York State
Wednesday, October 30th
NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying, Regulatory Changes Training, 1 p.m.
New York City
Monday, October 28th
Committee on Technology, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 16th Floor, 1 p.m.
Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfront, Committee Room – City Hall, 1 p.m.
Committee on Civil Service and Labor, Council Chambers – City Hall, 1 p.m.
Tuesday, October 29th
Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities & Addiction, Committee Room – City Hall, 1 p.m.
Committee on Veterans, Committee Room – City Hall, 1 p.m.
Committee on Hospitals, Council Chambers – City Hall, 1 p.m.
Committee on Health, Council Chambers – City Hall, 1 p.m.
Wednesday, October 30th
Committee on Small Business, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 14th Floor, 10 a.m.
Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 14th Floor, 10 a.m.
Committee on Public Safety, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Aging, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Children and Youth, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 16th Floor, 10 a.m.
Committee on Education, 250 Broadway – Committee Room. 16th Floor, 10 a.m.
Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 16th Floor, 1 p.m.
Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections, Committee Room – City Hall, 1 p.m.
Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 14th Floor, 1 p.m.
Thursday, October 31st
Committee on Criminal Justice, Committee Room – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Higher Education, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Civil Service and Labor, Council Chamber – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Land Use, 250 Broadway – Committee Room, 16th Floor, 11 a.m.
Committee on Public Housing, Council Chambers – City Hall, 1 p.m.
Friday, November 1st
Committee on Hospitals, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Oversight and Investigations, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, Council Chambers – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Economic Development, Committee Room – City Hall, 10:30 a.m.
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