WHEREAS, early voting was established in New York City to give New Yorkers expanded access to voting; and 

WHEREAS,  early voting more than doubled in New York City from 2019 to 2021; and 

WHEREAS,  in the November 2023 general election, early voting accounted for 1.9% of all votes cast by registered voters in New York City; and 

WHEREAS,  in the 2023 NYC election cycle, there were a total of 140 early voting sites; and 

WHEREAS, 33 of these sites were located in NYC public schools, including 23 high schools, 4 middle schools, 2 elementary schools, and 4 K-8 or K-12 schools; and 

WHEREAS,  there are currently no early voting sites located in schools in Queens, and that borough still accounted for 25.8% of all votes cast early in NYC; and 

WHEREAS,  early voting in public schools has posed safety issues since citizens have gained access to instructional areas and use student bathrooms while school is in session, while some respond aggressively to staff when questioned about their presence and purpose; and 

WHEREAS,  early voting in public schools has posed operational issues related to the use of large spaces such as student cafeterias, auditoriums and gymnasiums; and 

WHEREAS,  in some locations, early voting results in the complete loss of the gymnasium and outdoor recess for students; and 

WHEREAS, in some locations, early voting prohibits students from receiving hot breakfast and hot lunch; and 

WHEREAS, many boroughs are using sites other than public schools to conduct early voting; therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, that the UFT reaffirms the importance of ensuring accessible, secure and efficient early voting for all residents of New York City; and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the UFT calls on the city Board of Elections not to use schools and instead to identify alternative available public spaces near the schools currently being used for early voting, such as public libraries, community centers, houses of worship and colleges, factoring in accessibility, capacity and convenience for voters.