JACKSON HEIGHTS — A mock election will be held Tuesday at Diversity Plaza, giving city residents who cannot vote on Election Day because of their immigration status the chance to have their voices heard, according to a city councilman.
The event, sponsored by the New York Coalition to Expand Voting Rights and City Councilman Daniel Dromm, is part of a push to encourage city leaders to pass a bill that would expand municipal voting rights to those who are legally present in the US.
The bill, Intro 410, was introduced in 2010 and currently has the support of over 30 council members, according to Dromm.
Dromm said 55 percent of his district is not able to vote because of their immigration status — and "that's not what this country is about."
"Voting is a basic right in a democracy," Dromm said. "People who are legally present in the United States and who work, pay taxes and live in our neighborhoods must have the opportunity to participate in municipal elections."
Dromm is currently running unopposed to stay in the City Council.
The election at Diversity Plaza, which is on 74th Street and 37th Road, will contain voting stations with mock ballots printed in five languages — English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Bengali.
The mock election runs from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will allow all residents to engage in voting for mayor and other local elections.
Results will be tabulated in the plaza afterward.
