This Tuesday, November 5th you can vote in a mock election on Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, Queens. It is to push for the approval of the voting rights bill by NYC Council. The mock voting process is all day. Diversity Plaza is located one block away from the 74th train station, near Roosevelt Avenue. QueensLatino interviewed David Andersson, the creator of this idea that will benefit all immigrants.
Why is it important to hold a mock election?
We are organizing this mock election in Jackson Heights where the majority of the people of the district can’t vote. Some 55% of the population is vote-less and voice-less and the mock elections are a way to show that fact.
Why did you select Queens?
In Queens we can see clearly how the old and undated democratic system has en effect upon the communities: the lack of resources, affordable houses, low wages and unemployment, poverty. Having the most diverse community in the country and lacking political power.
Who is backing this event and how?
Everyday we are receiving more support from the community. Just recently we received adherence from the Nepal America Cultural Association (NACA). We also have institutions such as the Queens Community House, United Neighborhood Houses and the New York Immigration Coalition that are playing a big role. At the political level you have the Humanist Party who is coordinated the New York Coalition to Expand Voting Rights for many years, and the enormous support from Councilmember Daniel Dromm who re-introduced the legislation intro 410 that has now 32 sponsors. Dromm’s office is also putting energy on organizing the mock election
Why is it important for green card holders to vote in local elections?
This legislation is what really will change New York City. The main problem in NYC is the democratic system; everything (economic, politic, media) is control by a small minority. We need to address the issue of participation and distribution. Nothing justifies the unemployment and low wages. We need to work more for a democratic development and make sure that everyone has a voice and stop to believe that we need to resolve an economical crisis. We have a lot of good businesses in New York and the City budget is over $70 billions, it is like the economy of the 5th country in the world.
It has been 10 years fighting for the voting rights, are we getting closer to approval?
This legislation has to pass in 2014, we will have the city council to do it and the mayor can’t seriously veto it. This legislation illustrates the challenge of the next administration. How can you get out of the “tale of the two cities” and not empowering the disenfranchise population. It is very clear now that a democracy can’t only work for economical development but have to guarantee people’s direct representation. American has lost over 30% of their income in the last 20 years. People need to regain political power to develop a democratic system that could face the challenges of the present and future.
Why do you think that Christine Quinn opposed the voting rights?
Because she didn’t understood the situation well. She believed that being close to the center of power that “Bloomberg” represents would bring her closer to become the mayor of this city. She also made some big mistakes and was not very collegial in her way of working.
Are there the necessary votes to get the legislation approval in the City Council?
Yes, without a doubt. Now the issue is more political. The real question is who will be the speaker and who the members of the Government Operation will be. This is where things could be more complicated.
Bill de Blasio is not backing the immigrant voting rights bill, but do you think he will change his position after being elected Mayor of New York City?
I think it is save to say that it will be politically complicated for a Democratic Mayor to veto this type of legislation. The all-progressive Caucus of the City Council is behind this legislation. That also could be an opportunity for him to work with the State to make profound reform at the Board of Election because this agency needs a total makeover.
What is the position of Republican Joe Lhota on immigrant voting rights?
No sure but Tony Arcabascio, the Republican running for Queens’s Borough President is supporting the legislation. We will be getting more and more Republican support because it is a common sense legislation that opens the door to more political diversity.
Is it hard to get the backing of community based organizations to fight for the approval of voting rights?
Yes and no. It is a complicated campaign for community organizations because these organizations get funding in two ways: one through education and second through services, and we are playing the policy field and nobody funds this type of issue. No political entity or foundation gives money to change or pass legislation. The other problem is more grassroots. People don’t like politics this much, even when they can they don’t vote, they don’t believe much on the local power. This is strange. People will vote more to elect a president than a mayor. However, in your daily life, politics have more to do with the power of the city than the power of the president: school, transportation, housing, services, health access, environment, energy, security, economical development, all these are local issues that your elected officials deal every single day.