Find ways to increase voter turnout

Having an election at an unusual or unexpected time is now the expectation. An ambulance district vote in the middle of the summer? A congressional and State Senate primary in August? Another special district election at ... any time of year?

Also expected: Turnout for such votes will be low. It always is. No one is ever sure who will show up to the polls.

Or ... if anyone will show up to the polls. 

Not one showed up to vote earlier this month to take a position on the Tri-Harbor Ambulance District referendum, which would have lowered the retirement age and increased monthly stipends. On the same day, other ambulance districts holding votes on similar measures, were lucky if they got 20 or 30 voters; one got more than 300 — and that was considered incredibly high.

In the August primaries this week, preliminary totals show that in Nassau County, only about 11% of registered Democrats voted. Suffolk Republicans did a bit better, as nearly 15% showed up in the 1st District, and nearly 13% turned out in the 2nd District. 

None of this should be acceptable. While this year featured a peculiar set of circumstances, thanks to a flawed redistricting process that led to two primaries, the situation illustrates why bringing more people out to vote on fewer election days is so important.

There has been some improvement, as state legislation requires that some special districts share a singular election day in December to choose trustees. But it's not enough, and plenty of exceptions, like the ambulance district votes this month, remain. A lack of publicity for smaller district votes doesn't help. Disappointingly, even civic leaders said they didn't know about the ambulance district votes. It's incumbent upon those responsible for running these districts to do a better job informing the public.

There's still much to be done. Finding ways to increase turnout should be among the easier tasks ahead. State officials could start with developing a singular site where voters can see all upcoming elections, with dates, times, locations and details. State and local boards of elections also should explore ways to increase outreach and develop public service campaigns to digitally advertise upcoming elections. And all special districts should be required to publicize all referendums and other votes. Whenever possible, combine election days further. And avoid the summer. 

Many voters still need a reason to come to the polls. They need to understand why it matters, and they need something to vote for — not just something to vote against. So, it's also worth considering a statewide referendum system that makes it easier to put key issues on the ballot.

In less than three months, New Yorkers will go to the polls again, for an important general election. Everyone has a role in getting the word out.