In the spirit of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center's mission to reveal authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls who inspire visitors to recognize modern injustices that stem from slavery and to take action toward an equitable society, the Heritage Center is participating in the Western New York Women's Foundation's All In Community and Civic Engagement Effort (CCEE).
The goals of the CCEE are to increase civic engagement and participation (including overcoming barriers), increase understanding of the voting process (in person or absentee), register eligible voters accurately, and inform and educate on candidates and issues that will affect people of color.
On Sunday, from 1-4 p.m., the Heritage Center will hold a voter registration drive. During this time residents of Niagara or Erie counties may visit the Heritage Center, check their voter registration status, and work with a trained volunteer to make sure their forms are filled out properly and filed on time.
Local elections have a direct impact on many things that impact daily lives, including public safety, quality of roads and transit systems, and the schools kids attend. During the last federal election in 2016, New York had the second-lowest voter turnout in the country - only 19.7% of eligible voters cast a ballot in the last presidential primary.
Voters' registration may have lapsed if they have moved recently, or if they have not voted in the last two consecutive elections. Registrants should bring either a DMV issued ID or the last four digits of their social security number.
