Early Voting Locations at These New York Museums: A Guide for Voters
### Early Voting in NYC: Cultural Institutions Turn into Polling Sites
As Election Day approaches, New York City has witnessed an outstanding surge in early voter turnout, with record-breaking numbers reported across the five boroughs. By the fourth day of early voting, a total of **495,478 ballots** had already been cast in this year’s general election—surpassing the 2020 turnout by over **38,000 votes** at the same point in time. The excitement around early voting has not only energized voters but also brought arts and cultural institutions into the fold, as numerous iconic sites across NYC have opened their doors to host polling stations.
### A Unique Collaboration Between Art and Democracy
Among the institutions participating in this democratic duty are notable museums, such as **The Metropolitan Museum of Art**, the **American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)**, the **Brooklyn Museum**, and the **Weeksville Heritage Center**. These art and cultural landmarks have transformed into civic spaces, making voting more accessible and bringing an additional layer of community involvement to the 2024 election process.
#### The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Located on the Upper East Side, **The Met** has embraced its role in supporting local communities by acting as a polling station. Already engaged in civic duties during the 2021 mayoral election, the museum is once again offering more than just art exhibitions. Voters can find the polling booths situated in **The Bonnie J. Sacerdote Lecture Hall**, which can be accessed via the 81st Street entrance. Max Hollein, the museum’s director, emphasized the institution’s commitment to civic engagement, stating that “The Met is honored to host a polling place in support of access to voting.”
#### The American Museum of Natural History
On the other side of Central Park, the **AMNH** is offering a new experience for museum visitors—voting. This year marks the first time the museum has become an early voting site. Polling stations are located at the **Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation**, at the 79th Street and Columbus Avenue entrance. The AMNH is also assisting those who prefer to vote by mail, making it easier for Manhattan voters to submit their mail-in ballots.
#### Brooklyn Museum
Turning to Brooklyn, the **Brooklyn Museum** has long been a stalwart in making its space available for elections. The museum is continuing its tradition of serving as a polling location, with voting booths set up in the main pavilion as part of its goal to engage with and serve the community. From presidential elections to state primaries, the Brooklyn Museum has made its front doorstep a vital location for civic participation, helping increase access to the vote for countless New Yorkers.
#### Weeksville Heritage Center
For the first time ever, the historic **Weeksville Heritage Center** in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, has stepped into the role of a polling place. On Saturday, October 26, the center was the destination of a vibrant **voter parade** led by the Brooklyn branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Historically, Weeksville played a critical role as one of the first free African-American communities in the U.S., and its participation in the voting process underscores the ongoing importance of civic engagement within Black history and culture. As early voting progresses, Brooklyn continues to lead the way, having reported the highest voter turnout across NYC.
### Importance of Early Voting
Early voting is more than just a convenience for New Yorkers; it’s a critical component of a thriving democracy. Serving as an alternative to traditional Election Day voting, it assures better voter access, reduces polling day bottlenecks, and gives those with rigid schedules the ability to make their voices heard. With polling stations open from **8:00 am to 8:00 pm** on weekdays and from **8:00 am to 5:00 pm** on weekends, registered voters can select the time that best suits their needs.
Additionally, by merging cultural institutions with civic engagement, New York City offers an experience that intertwines voting with local culture and history. Voters can cast their ballots at some of the city’s most revered establishments, while being inspired by the rich arts and culture that these spaces represent.
### How New Yorkers Can Vote Early
For New Yorkers who are unsure of where to vote, resources are readily available. Registered voters can easily locate their designated polling sites using the **New York City Board of Elections’s website**. Early voting remains open throughout the week, and for those unable to attend, absentee (mail-in) ballots are a viable alternative.
### Conclusion: Support for Civic Engagement and Independent Journalism
This convergence of art, culture, and democracy is not just a temporary phenomenon for museums; it is part of a larger drive to harness the power of civic spaces for community-building. By offering their venues as polling stations, museums like The Met, AMNH, and Weeksville Heritage are demonstrating their commitment to not