The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 55: New York Midterm Primary Election Guide

• Jose Francisco Avila • Episode 55

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Mabuiga! Welcome back to The Garifuna Experience Podcast.

Your voice is your power, and the upcoming New York Primary Election on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, is one of the most direct ways to protect and empower our neighborhoods across the five boroughs.

In Episode 55, host José Francisco Ávila breaks down everything you need to know to confidently cast your ballot—whether you are a first-time voter or a seasoned pro. We tackle the local and state offices on the ballot (from Congress to the State Assembly), explain how New York's closed primary system works, and layout your legal rights at the polling site (including language assistance and paid time off to vote).

Key 2026 Deadlines to Lock Into Your Calendar:

  •  June 13: Last day to register to vote OR apply online/by mail for a ballot.
  • June 13 – June 21: Early Voting Period.
  • June 22: Last day to apply for a ballot in person.
  • June 23: Primary Election Day! (Polls open 6 AM–9 PM. Ballots must be dropped off by 9 PM or postmarked by today).

Our community’s future is in our hands. Don't sit this one out. Tune in, get informed, and let’s make our voices heard. Sungubei Lidan Aban (Together as one).

Resources:

Books by José Francisco Ávila

SOUNDTRACK

Have you registered to Vote in the June twenty third Primary Election? Saturday, June thirteenth is theDeadline to Register to Vote and the start of the Early Voting Periods!

HOST: Mabuiga! Welcome to The Garifuna Experience Podcast. I’m your host, José Francisco Ávila.

With the June primary fast approaching, we want to make sure you have everything you need to vote. June thirteenth is the Deadline to register to vote and the start of  Early voting, which runs from June thirteenththrough June tenty firstr, with Primary Day on June twenty third, kicking off a critical voting season that will help shape leadership at the state and federal levels. 

From Albany to Washington, the outcomes of these races will influence policy decisions that impact daily life across the five boroughs.

Here is your guide to the primary, including what’s on the ballot and key dates to know before Election Dayon Tuesday, June twenty third.

HOST: Let’s break it down. What exactly is a Primary?

HOST: Now, you might be thinking, "It’s just a Primary." But let me tell you—this is where the real decisions happen.

A primary is an election held by a political party to determine which candidate will be the party's nominee in an upcoming general election on November third.

A primary is held when more than one candidate submits valid ballot access documents (e.g., petitions) to become the party's nominee for the general election.

Important Note: In New York, we have "Closed Primaries." A closed primary only allows members of a given political party to vote in that party's primary election. For example, only an enrolled Democrat can vote in a Democratic primary. 

What’s on the ballot in the June twenty third Primary?

Voters will see a mix of state and federal races. These offices play a key role in shaping policies that affect New Yorkers statewide and locally.

All voters registered with a major political party can vote for:

  • Governor and lieutenant governor
  • State attorney general
  • State comptroller
  • State Senate & State Assembly
  • U.S. House of Representatives Elections

Voters can check their district and polling location ahead of time to confirm exactly what will appear on their ballot.

The 2026 Calendar: Deadlines to Remember

HOST: Grab your phones and open your calendars. Here are the dates you cannot miss for the June twenty third Primary:

There are three ways to vote and Make your voice heard in New York!

1. VOTE EARLY

Early Voting for the June twenty third Primary Election will take place: Saturday, June thirteenth  to Sunday, June twenty first.

You must vote at your assigned Early Voting location.

Your Early Voting site may be different from your Election Day poll site, so check before you go. Check our show notes for the link to Find your poll site.

2. VOTE BY MAIL

New York allows all eligible voters to vote early by mail.

You no longer need a reason to request a mail ballot.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Any registered voter can apply for an Early Mail or Absentee Ballot.
  • If you receive an Early Mail or Absentee Ballot, you cannot use a voting machine at your poll site.
  • If you decide not to use your mail ballot, you may still vote in person using an affidavit ballot. 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A MAIL BALLOT

MAIL BALLOT DEADLINES

  • In-Person Mail Ballot Request Deadline: Monday, June tenty second
  • Mail Ballot Postmark Deadline: Tuesday, June twenty third.

3. VOTE ON ELECTION DAY Election Day for the Primary Election is: 📅 Tuesday, June twenty third.

Polls are open from: 🕕 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

You must vote at your assigned Election Day poll site.

WHERE TO VOTE

You must vote at your assigned poll site. Poll sites can change year to year, or even last minute if there’s an issue such as a water main break or power outage. So make sure to check before you go!

Check our show notes for the link to Find my poll site 

Here are some KEY DATES you cannot miss for the June twenty third Primary:

📅 The Early Voting Period is Saturday, June thirtenth to Sunday, June twenty first, 2026

📅 June June thirtenth  is also Deadline to Request a Mail Ballot - Online or byMail 

📅 Primary Election Day isTuesday, June twenty third, 2026

Know Your Rights at the Polls

HOST: I want you to feel confident when you walk into that polling site. You have rights, and no one can take them away.

  • Need help? Ask a poll worker. That is what they are there for.
  • Language barriers? You have the right to an interpreter.
  • Technical issues? If the machine is down, you still have the right to vote.
  • Not on the list? Ask for an Affidavit Ballot. Do not leave without casting your vote.
  • ID Requirements: If you’ve voted in NY before, you do not need to show ID.

HOST: If you’re dropping your ballot off, you can do so at any early voting site or your County Board of Elections. Don’t wait until the last minute—let’s get it done early!

What's next:

Winners of each party’s primary will move on to the general election on November third. 

That election is open to all eligible voters, regardless of party affiliation, and may also include ballot proposals addressing statewide or local issues.

Every election is an opportunity to make your voice heard.

Remember, your vote is your voice! Vote during Early Voting Period, June 13 to June 21st  or the Primary Election on June 23.

Outro

HOST: And that wraps up another episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast.

The information on this episode is based on information from NYCVotes.org.

Checkout Episode 46: The Midterm Elections – Why Every Two Years Matters

Remember: Voting is not just a right; When Garifuna voters are organized and present at the polls, we send a clear message: we are here, we are engaged, and our community's concerns must be taken seriously by those who seek to lead us. 

The future of the Garifuna people—and all New Yorkers—is in our hands.

Thank you for listening. Stay united, stay proud. Sungubei Lidan Aban. Ayo!

HOST: Find new episodes of The Garifuna Experience Podcast every Tuesday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, or wherever you find your favorite shows. 

Please rate and review The Garifuna Experience Podcast —it helps our history reach the world.

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José Francisco Ávila

Host