We get it — many people are exhausted by politics in 2025. Polarization, institutional distrust and political fatigue are eroding faith in democracy across the nation. As we near the end of early voting in NYC, we asked Brad Hoylman-Sigal — candidate for Manhattan Borough President — to step away from campaign talking points and tell us, personally, why voting still matters. Here is his response…
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal takes notes during a meeting about the future of 8th Avenue between Penn Station and Port Authority Bus Terminal. Photo: Phil O’Brien
Let’s start personally: Do you remember the first time you ever voted? What did it mean to you then — and what does voting mean to you now?
Voting is not only our civic responsibility, but the most important thing we can do collectively as Americans. I grew up civically engaged and geeked out on politics, akin to the way most kids follow their favorite baseball team. So, I was pretty thrilled to cast my first vote – I felt I had arrived as an adult. These days, as an elected official, voting is tantamount to a performance review. My bosses are the electorate!
Many people feel discouraged or disengaged from politics in 2025 — nationally and locally. When someone says, “My vote doesn’t matter,” what do you say to them?
I have colleagues in the State Senate who’ve had their races decided by just a handful of votes. Andrea Stewart Cousins lost her first race by 18 votes. Senator John Manion, now a Congressman, won his senate seat by 10 votes! So there’s recent documented evidence that a few votes can literally make a difference in an election.
We have a highly competitive mayoral race and ballot proposals on the 2025 November ballot — of course your vote matters. This is the best opportunity you will have in the next four years to decide the direction of New York City. To me, that sounds like a great reason to re-engage with politics. Housing is the greatest reason right now why New York City is unaffordable. The charter revision questions will provide one way to perhaps address this crisis.
What’s at risk when people don’t vote — in your race or across the city this year?
There’s a saying that if you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu, which suggests that groups with historically lower voter turnout won’t get their needs addressed. It’s exciting that we’ve seen a turnout explosion in this year’s primary among young people, a traditionally underrepresented group at the polls. There are over 30,000 new registrants in Manhattan alone, a significant proportion of whom are under the age of 30.
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal outside the winner for worst sidewalk shed in Hell’s Kitchen in his “Sheddies” awards earlier this year. Photo: Catie Savage
Think of a moment in your career or community work when voting or civic participation made a real difference. What’s one story you tell that proves showing up matters?
Retaking the Senate in 2018 from Republicans and IDC (the group of breakaway Democrats who sided with the GOP) was a moment when voting mattered. It meant that long-stalled progressive legislation in areas like abortion, LGBTQ rights and election reform, could finally reach the Governor’s desk. Finally, New Yorkers understood the stakes in securing a Democratic Senate thanks to the work of a lot of West Side activists. Most of the bills I’ve passed are the direct result of New Yorkers showing up to vote in 2018 and flipping the Senate.
If you could change one thing about how New Yorkers engage with local politics, what would it be — and how do we make that happen?
We are entrusted with a deliberative democracy, which means that voters need to be well-informed to cast their votes. Local news is more important than ever to make that happen, especially with the consolidation and closure of many media outlets.
Becoming more inclusive in ways which New Yorkers engage at the community level. Right now, community board meetings are in-person on weekday evenings, which disincentivizes parents and young people from participating. I support proposals to move community board meetings online for those who find it a hardship to attend in person. In addition, I would expand outreach campaigns for New Yorkers in their 20s, so they have a better grasp of how to improve New York.
This year’s ballot includes major offices (including Mayor) and several ballot proposals. How do you think voters should approach the entire ballot — not just the top line?
Read the NYC Voter Guide mailed to your household! It contains lots of detailed information about the candidates and the ballot proposals. This will allow you to make a more informed decision when it comes time to cast your ballot.
Complete this sentence — “Voting matters in 2025 because…”
Voting matters in 2025 because the West Side needs strong fighters to stand up to Donald Trump. There is a rising tide of authoritarianism coming from the White House. It’s our job to stand up to protect personal liberties and civil rights.
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal at a rally for the LLC transparency bill he sponsored in the state legislature. Photo: Phil O’Brien
And finally — why is now the moment for people to show up? What makes 2025 different from any other year?
Our democracy is under fierce attack from Washington DC. It’s important to vote in every election, and that’s no different this year when the stakes are so high.
Early voting will end on Sunday, November 2 and the general election is on Tuesday, November 4. Visit vote.nyc to find your polling site.