New Yorkers seeking information about where to vote on Election Day will be able to locate their poll site by text message starting today. While Hurricane Sandy has forced last-minute changes to many planned poll sites in Tuesday’s election, up-to-date information on voting locations is now only a text message away.
Text “NYCVOTES” to 877-877
Message and data rates may still apply. Customers can text ‘STOP’ to opt out of further messages.
Spanish speakers can text "DONDE" to 877-877 to receive prompts in Spanish.
The text system allows users to look up multiple poll sites. Follow the instructions provided to enter the address of the voter whose poll site you believe may have changed.
“During this especially trying week, Tuesday’s election is only one among many pressing concerns,” said Art Chang, Chair of the Voter Assistance Advisory Committee. “With many poll sites affected by the storm, it’s even more important that we help New Yorkers find their way to the polls to make their voices heard. Thanks to this service, voters need only a cell phone to keep themselves informed.”
The poll site locator was developed by Mobile Commons, a mobile strategy company based in DUMBO and is being provided pro bono to New York City in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Mobile Commons uses official elections information provided by the Voting Information Project and powered by Google for their Polling Place Locator that will help millions of Americans locate their polling place this election cycle. The Voting Information Project is a partnership between election officials, the Pew Center on the States, Google, Microsoft, and several other technology partners with the shared goal to bring official election information to voters wherever, whenever they need it.
“The devastation caused by this storm doesn't have to disrupt our democratic process, and the polling place locator will make it easier for New York City voters to find their polling places,” said Jed Alpert, CEO of Mobile Commons.
“Election officials and our partners in the Voting Information Project are working around the clock to make sure those affected by Hurricane Sandy can get the information they need to be able to vote in this election,” said David Becker, director of the Pew Center on the States’ Election Initiatives project.
All poll sites will be open from 6AM to 9PM.
NYC Votes! is the non-partisan voter engagement campaign of the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) and its Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC). In addition to promoting voter registration, participation, and civic engagement in New York City through its many programs and partnerships, NYC Votes! sponsors the city’s official Debate Program and produces the citywide Voter Guide.
About Mobile Commons
Mobile Commons, a mobile strategy and software company, is the technology behind today’s most effective mobile messaging campaigns. Mobile Commons makes messaging simple with its industry-leading expertise. The software is easy to use, quick to implement, fully integrated and equipped with every feature needed to make outreach and engagement more effective. Mobile Commons customers have achieved remarkable results – among them are California Department of Public Health, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Harvard Pilgrim, New York MTA, San Francisco MTA, AARP, the HumaneSociety, R/GA and hundreds of others. For more information, please visit www.MobileCommons.com.
NYC Votes! contact:
Eric Friedman -- (203) 520-3450
Matt Sollars -- (347) 860-3790
Mobile Commons contact:
Jeremy Soffin -- (917) 860-9076
Pew Center for the States contact:
Stephanie Bosh -- (202) 540-6741