Dear Editor,

THIS Tuesday, November 2, is voting day all over America. Elections are being held for varied positions – governors and other statewide positions, mayor and councillor positions and other local positions. The U.S. also has early voting, meaning that ballots can be cast days before the election.

Early voting has been allowed almost everywhere and closes last Saturday or Sunday, depending on locations. Turnout so far has been very low, especially in New York. Those who have not cast their ballots as yet are exhorted to come out on Tuesday and cast their ballots.

In New York City where the bulk of the Guyanese population is settled, voters will decide who will be the next mayor and other city-wide offices, President of each of the five boroughs that constitute the city, 51 councillors, judgeships, and a host of other offices. Several Guyanese and other West Indians are on ballots for the City Council, as well as for judgeships. Guyanese are urged to look at their profiles.

Many Guyanese and South Asians in Queens came out at fundraisers to support the mayoral candidate Eric Adams, Borough President Donovan Richards, and candidates for judgeships and the City Council.  They donated thousands of dollars to candidates.

Democrat Eric Adams is expected to be a shoo-in for mayor against Republican Curtis Sliwa. The same is true for Democrat Donovan against his Republican opponent. Felicia Singh is in a close race as is Trini-American Karen Gopie for judgeship, but they have the backing of the bulk of the Guyanese-American community. Democrat Singh is running for the vacant City Council seat in the Greater Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, and Woodhaven area.  Her Republican opponent Joann Ariola has been courting Guyanese and the other tens of thousands of Indo-Caribbeans in the district. A fundraiser was also held for Ariola by Guyanese.

Guyanese and other Caribbean people cannot afford to be left out of the elections. They constitute an important chunk of voters in several districts in the city, but have had a low turnout rate. If they come out to vote, especially in Queens, where close races are expected, they would help to determine the outcome; the winner will be beholden to them and give them a lot of resources as their representatives.

Guyanese and other Caribbean people must vote and make smart choices on the candidates for each office who would champion their interests.

The polls open at 6:00 A.M and close at 9:00 P.M this coming Tuesday.  Every Guyanese is urged to come out and vote – be part of the democratic process to choose who will be empowered to make decisions and policies on their behalf.  If not, others will choose the representative for them.

Yours sincerely,

Vishnu Bisram