Updated October 1, 2024

ELECTION SEASON RESOURCES

 

For Individuals

Register to vote, or apply for an absentee ballot.

Find your poll site and review a sample ballot.

Review frequently asked questions about voting in NYC.

Review the Ballot measure Equal Protection of Law Amendment.

Review the breakdown and full text of the NYC Charter Revision Commission’s ballot proposals.

For Nonprofit Organizations

Check out nonprofit VOTE’s webinar, “Getting a Head Start: Planning Your Voter Outreach for 2024” can help you incorporate voter engagement into your 2024 advocacy plan (slides available). 

Check out NonprofitVOTE’s Webinar: Staying Nonpartisan Guidelines for 501c3 Voter Engagement Activities.

Check out Dance/USA’s #Dance2Vote toolkit for encouraging voter participation in your dance community.
 

ACTIONABLE ITEMS

Federal Budget

Contact your representatives in Congress and urge them to protect funding to the National Endowment for the arts in the FY25 Budget.
 

Mask Bans

Explore Long Covid Justice’s resource list on resisting mask bans and protecting bodily autonomy in response to Nassau County passing the nation’s first mask ban and similar legislation being considered throughout the state and country. 
 

ASSET Act

Contact your Senator and urge them to support the Allowing Steady Savings by Eliminating Tests Act (ASSET Act). This law would increase the savings disabled people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can have.
 

FARE Act

Contact your City Council Member in support of the FARE Act, which will end enforced brokers fees for NYC renters and make housing more affordable.
• Check out City Council Member Ossé’s explainer video
• Review Dance/NYC’s Testimony in support of the FARE ACT 

Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act

Sign on to endorse the Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act, which would establish structures and policies that deepen the relationship between government and nonprofits. Learn more about the bill, review and share the info sheet, and advocate to your community through the A Seat at the Table campaign.

Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act

Sign on to Grantmakers in the Arts’ endorsement of the bipartisan Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act (S.1696 / H.R. 3482) which would provide much-needed access to health care coverage and retirement benefits for those who do gig work, freelance, or independent contracting jobs.

Employee Retention Credit Survey

Fill out The Coalition to Preserve American Jobs survey to share your experiences with the The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) as a business or organization. ERC offers a refundable payroll tax credit for eligible businesses and tax-exempt organizations to retain employee wages and benefits. However, the IRS unilaterally suspended ERC claims processing in September of 2023, and Congress is considering shutting down the program as part of a larger tax program.
 

Support the Campaign for New York Health

Volunteer with the Campaign for New York Health to help pass The New York Health Act (A07897 / S7590). The legislation proposes to provide comprehensive health coverage for every resident or full-time worker in New York. 
 

Coverage for All

Use the Coverage for all template to call or email your representatives. Coverage For All (A3020B / S2237B ) would expand health care coverage to New York residents regardless of their immigration status. The measure would create a state-funded health coverage option for New York state residents who earn up to 200% of the federal poverty line and include undocumented residents. 
 

ADVOCACY UPDATES

Rent Increase

Earlier this year, the NYC Rent Guidelines Board voted to approve a 2.75% rent increase for one-year leases and 5.25% on two-year leases for rent-stabilized apartments. These increases will go into effect for any leases signed on or after October 1, 2024.

• Review news coverage on the Rent Guidelines Board increase
• Check if your building is rent stabilized
• Learn more about rights in rent stabilized buildings
 

Fair Fares NYC Program

The Fair Fares NYC program is expanding eligibility by increasing the range of income levels that qualify. Fair Fares NYC allows low-income New Yorkers to ride the subway or bus at a 50% discount. Pay-per-Ride, weekly unlimited, and monthly unlimited options are all available.

• Check your eligibility for the Fair Fares Program
• Learn more about the Fair Fares expansion
 

NYC Arts and Culture Funding Restored 

After months of negotiation, the City Council has adopted the 2025 Budget, which includes a full $53 million restoration to arts and culture funding. 

This would not have been possible without the advocacy and support of the arts community. Dance/NYC and our partners fought for the $53 million restoration by organizing rallies, sending letters to elected officials, testifying at City Hall meetings, and raising awareness in our communities. This win doesn’t just increase sustainability for New York City arts & culture – it underscores the critical impact of arts advocacy.

• Read and watch Dance/NYC’s testimony to the Cultural Affairs Committee’s final budget hearing
• Read Dance’ NYC’s Testimony to the Cultural Affairs Committee Preliminary Budget Hearing.
 

New York City Dancing Ban Officially Repealed as Part of Zoning Reforms

On June 6, the New York City Council voted to lift a Prohibition-era dancing ban as part of the “City of Yes for Economic Opportunity” zoning reforms. Under old zoning laws, social dancing was prohibited in smaller nightlife venues in over 80% of New York City. These laws, through uneven enforcement and burdensome fines, disproportionately impacted marginalized BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and immigrant communities. Now, any commercially-zoned bar or restaurant can have a dance floor, provided it is appropriately sized for the business.

• Review Dance/NYC’s City Council Testimony on the importance of social dancing
• Explore LegalizeDance.Org
• Check out the New York City Council’s Instagram summary
 

U.S. Department of Justice Publishes Final Rule on Web and Mobile App Accessibility

On April 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice published a new rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This rule sets accessibility requirements for all web content and mobile apps managed by state and local governments. It is instrumental in ensuring that disabled people can access vital government services and participate fully in civic life.

• Check out the Department of Justice’s Press Release
• Review the ADA Fact Sheet on the New Rule
• Learn more about digital accessibility

New O & P Visa Application Fee Increased, Effective as of April 1, 2024

Starting April 1, 2024, a new UCSIS rule went into effect, increasing visa fees and changing the application form for O & P visas. It also increases the cost of Premium Processing Service and extends premium processing time, as well as limiting the number of beneficiaries that can be included in a single petition.This means that large ensembles will need to file multiple petitions. Increased UCSIS fees may create additional barriers for immigrant and international artists. By increasing costs for dance organizations to book international talent, the new rule may negatively impact diversity in dance. 

• Explore the UCSIS Frequently Asked Questions on the new rule
• Check out the Artists From Abroad news alert
• Review the final rule via the U.S. Government Federal Register
 

Freelance Worker Protections

In January 2024, New York Passed the Secure Savings Program for Freelancers (S2399 / A4529), which authorizes freelancers and self-employed individuals the option of enrolling in a secure choice savings program.
 

New York Minimum Wage Increase

New York’s minimum wage has increased for three years with subsequent increases tied to inflation. On January 1, 2024, the minimum wage increased to $16 in New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester, and to $15 in all other parts of the State. 

• Review press release on historic agreement to raise NY minimum wage.
• Learn more about New York State’s minimum wage.
• Check out history of New York State minimum wage.