Democracy in these times

What is the point of elections without a choice at the polls? The New York City Council primary election is scheduled for June 27. Every incumbent public official and candidate running for office must collect a certain number of signatures in order to qualify for the ballot. That is why you may have encountered campaigners carrying green petition sheets asking for your signature these last several weeks.

As a candidate for City Council in Queens, I share my experience and reflection on what this vital exercise reveals about our democracy in New York City.

Signing a candidate’s petition is not a vote – it provides the candidate the chance to be on the ballot and the voters a choice in the primary election. Petitioning should allow for a robust exchange of ideas on community concerns. Candidates are brought forward to meet their constituents face-to-face on street corners and doorsteps across our neighborhoods. Some candidates have paid petitioners, and others have volunteers. As a candidate, I engaged in deep and meaningful discussions with community members on various local and City-wide issues. The main issues voters brought to my attention are: lack of inclusion in political decisions that impact their lives, including cuts to the education budget, lack of affordable housing, limited action on climate change, and a feeling of insecurity. These are perspectives raised by engaged voters who understand the role of a City Councilmember and the need for action and response on the issues that matter the most.

However, petitioning also revealed that many voters are currently disengaged and have limited information about the upcoming election. In many interactions, our campaign team witnessed a polarized political discourse that aimed to discourage the petitioning and election process. This often came from middle-aged and older voters who understand the upcoming primary but resent politics due to corruption, lack of engagement, and limited accountability of politicians regarding their campaign promises. At the same time, another group, formed mainly by young people, was unwilling to take even a brief moment to engage. They also displayed a concerning disinterest in the importance of local democracy. Many people also demonstrated incivility, apathy, cynicism and aggression towards our petitioners as if our team and other candidates' work should not be happening. Being in the streets helped me assess the deep resentment and feeling of distrust that currently exists against our local government. This reality discouraged many volunteers who had admirably committed hours to undertake the difficult and essential task of talking about democracy and listening to people where and when it matters most.

A free, fair and transparent primary election should be promoted by all, but most importantly, by our elected representatives. Nevertheless, we have witnessed elected representatives use their current authority to suppress and oppress the right of other candidates to campaign. From pressuring local businesses not to host other candidates’ campaign events to surrounding other candidates’ petitioners in an intimidating fashion, elected public officials seem not to want contested elections to happen. It seems like even constructive critique of their performance and unfulfilled promises is something we should not do. This is quite concerning. In a democratic society, political power should continuously be monitored and overseen. Anything different is not democracy. Being elected should be about serving the people and fostering a strong local democracy rooted in consultation, transparency, respect and participation. Other candidates’ work to be on the ballot is at the cornerstone of the revival of democracy at the local level. It secures healthy competition and, most importantly, gives the voters a choice at the polls.

Democracy is precious and an ongoing endeavor. Recent events in our national politics demonstrate its fragility. We have to do our part at the local level to fight polarization, lack of engagement and entrenchment in politics. Carrying the green petition sheets and talking with voters to explain the importance of a primary election is a crucial step in this regard. It is also paramount for elected officials, the New York City Board of Elections, the media, and our schools to raise awareness, engage, and rebuild trust between the voters and the political system.