Ascend Public Charter Schools is a nonpartisan and non-political 501 c3 organization that does not endorse or oppose any candidate for elected office or political party.
Our Kids, Our Schools, Our Vote. Vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4!
Ascend is a network of schools that puts students first.
We meet each child where they are and equip them in reaching their full potential because we believe, just like you, that anything is possible for them. Our schools are set apart by our approach to literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading, application of inquiry-based learning, the Responsive Classroom model and our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4!
On November 4, 2025, New Yorkers will vote for the leaders who shape our schools, our neighborhoods, and our future. From mayor to city council, these decisions impact our kids' classrooms, our community’s safety, and the resources we rely on every day.
At Ascend, we believe voting is one of the most powerful ways we show up for our children, our values, and our shared future. This fall, let’s raise our voices together and make sure every eligible community member is informed, registered, and ready to vote.
Keep scrolling to find out how to update your voter registration and when and where you can show up and make your voice heard.
Key Dates:
October 25, 2025 – Deadline to register or update your voter registration
October 25, 2025 – Deadline to request a mail-in ballot by mail or online
October 26 – November 2, 2025 – Early voting period in New York
November 3, 2025 – Last day to request a mail-in ballot in person
November 4, 2025 – Election Day (Polls open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM)
What’s On the Ballot In This Election?
The Mayor of New York City holds significant power over the public education system, including control of the Department of Education, shaping everything from school budgets to classroom resources. Other elected officials also play vital roles in housing, public safety, and city services that affect our community every day.
This year, voters will weigh in on:
Mayor of New York City
City Comptroller
Public Advocate
All five Borough Presidents
All 51 City Council seats
Important ballot measures, including potential city charter changes and state constitutional amendments
Online Voter Registration is Now Available!
Registration Deadline: October 25
To register to vote online, you’ll need:
A valid New York State driver's license, permit, or non-driver ID (it must be your most recently issued document)
The ZIP code currently on record with the DMV
Last 4 digits of your Social Security number
Please note that you need a NY.Gov ID to access the voter registration portal. If you already have one from another New York State agency, you can use it. Otherwise, you’ll need to create an account.
If you do not have a New York State ID or if you want to register by mail, you can download a registration form in either English or Spanish, print it, sign it (no digital or Adobe-generated signature!), and submit it by mail or in person to the appropriate County Board of Elections by October 25. Find your County Board here.
You can also request a registration form by mail by entering your name directly into the Voter Registration Form Request mailing list, or call the 1-800-FOR-VOTE (1-800-367-8683) hotline to request one. Remember to mail it or drop it off in person by October 25 to be eligible to vote.
Unsure if You're Already Registered?
Application Deadline: October 25
Any registered voter may apply for an early mail ballot.
You may apply for an early mail ballot in any of the following ways:
Apply online by clicking here.
By going in-person to your local county board of elections (only the in-person deadline is Nov. 3)
By designating another person to deliver your application in-person to your local county board of elections and receive your ballot
You can download a PDF version of the New York State Early Mail Ballot Application Form using the links below:
Your ballot will be sent to you after your application is processed.
Apply for an Early Mail Ballot
Application Deadline: October 25
You may qualify to vote absentee for the following reasons:
Absent from your county or, if a resident of New York City absent from the five boroughs, on Election Day.
Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability.
Unable to appear because you are the primary care giver of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled.
A resident or patient of a Veterans Health Administration Hospital.
In jail or prison for any reason other than a felony conviction. This includes anyone who is awaiting grand jury action, awaiting trial, or serving a sentence for a misdemeanor.
Apply for an Absentee Ballot
You may apply for an absentee ballot in any of the following ways:
Apply online by clicking here.
By going in-person to your local county board of elections (only the in-person deadline is Nov. 3)
By designating another person to deliver your application in-person to your local county board of elections and receive your ballot
You can download a PDF version of the New York State Early Mail Ballot Application Form using the links below:
Your ballot will be sent to you after your application is processed.
Want to know if you are eligible to vote?
To register to vote in New York, you must:
Be a United States citizen;
Be at least 18 years old (you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18);
A resident* of this State and the county (New York or Bronx), city, or village for at least 30 days before the election;
Not be in prison for a felony conviction;
Not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; and
And not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
*You do not need a permanent address to vote. Even in temporary housing, you have the right to register.
Not eligible to vote?
Even if you’re not eligible to vote, your voice still matters. Here’s how you can support voter participation:
Share registration and voting information with your network; especially deadlines and polling sites.
Talk to your community about the importance of voting.
Ask your friends to make a plan (how, when, where) to vote because making a plan can increase voter turnout by as much as 9%.
Volunteer at voter registration events. If interested, please reach out to info@ascendlearning.org.
Help spread awareness by posting civic content on your social media channels.
Our kids deserve leaders who listen to our voices, support schools, and invest in our communities. One of the most powerful ways to advocate for our children is by voting.
By filling out this form, you are taking the first step to:
Check Your Voter Status – Make sure you’re registered and ready to go.
Commit/Pledge to Vote – Show your commitment to being a voice for your community.
Sign up here to join other Ascend community members who want to advocate for our schools and community.