by Stephen Budihas, President of The Association of Riverdale Cooperatives & Condominiums
Decisions are made in the City Council, Albany and Washington D.C. not by the majority of the population, but by those who are elected by the majority of those who decide to vote. If we want our thoughts and beliefs to be considered, then voting is always a right that should not be taken lightly. We should need only to briefly recall the struggles in our nation that have brought us the voting rights we now enjoy; or to look at the many countries around the world where people do not have a voice in government, in order to appreciate our right to vote.
By our vote or by the absence of our votes we either earn the right to petition, to complain and to see our interests supported; or otherwise to end up doing no more than sulking silently, carping and sharing our misery and discontentment with our neighbors.
On September 9th voters in Riverdale, Kingsbridge, Pelham, Mosholu and other areas of the Bronx represented by the Association of Riverdale Cooperatives and Condominiums will have an important decision to make on Primary Day. As in many elections, the candidates for New York State Senator differ significantly in their views, but in this election the candidates differ notably in their perception of shareholders’ rights in cooperative apartments, the rights of duly elected Boards of Directors and the rights of owners of condominiums. As in most local elections, victory may likely be determined by merely a few hundred votes, districtwide, making every vote so much more important.
It is important that all members of the affected voting population take a hard look at the beliefs, voting records and intentions of the candidates on the ballot, particularly in regard to our chosen styles of living. As Primary Day approaches, it is important too that we reflect on our responsibility to self-governance, and ask whether we want to be heard, respected and listened to, or be told that intelligences far greater than our own should dictate our way of life.
In our District (see: District Map.pdf) a victory in the Democratic Primary often infers a victory in the general election, so the turnout and the vote are especially critical.
If you will not be around on September 9th, you may apply for an absentee ballot until seven (7) days before the election (see: Absentee Ballot.pdf)
If you are at work on September 9th and you need time to vote, you should be aware of the New York State Election Law (see: Employees Election Law.pdf), which specifically mandates that employees be granted time to vote.
Finally, you should be aware that some polling places have changed. You can locate your polling location by going to
poll site locator.com/Search.aspx.