City teams up with local artists to drive voter turnout this November

Illustrator Lorraine Nam’s work will appear on LinkNYC kiosks across the city to encourage New Yorkers to vote Nov. 3. Photo via LinkNYC

By Rachel Vick

A New York City voter engagement initiative is tapping local artists to drive turnout this November.

NYC Votes, a branch of the Campaign Finance Board, is working with LinkNYC to display work by local artists and promote voter participation on their digital kiosks across the city.

The art will begin appearing on Sept. 22, National Voter Registration Day, along with a countdown clock for the Oct. 9 voter registration deadline. Smartphone users can log into a registration portal on the spot using a link displayed on the kiosk screen

After the registration deadline has passed, the kiosks will have information on early voting, absentee voting and poll sites. 

The art and information will remain on display until Nov. 3 — Election Day.

"LinkNYC Kiosks are one of the most eye-catching ways to reach New Yorkers in all five boroughs to make sure they are registered and ready for the upcoming election," said NYC Campaign Finance Board Executive Director Amy Loprest. 

"Having real New Yorkers submit their original artwork to appear through LinkNYC helps connect voters with the information they need to safely cast their ballots this fall.”

The vibrant creations featuring cityscapes and objective voter encouragement — like a pink stoop setting that says “Vote New York” by artist Lorraine Nam —  are intended to raise awareness with eye-catching designs and clear directions.

NYC Votes will accept submissions for the voting themed #ArtOnLink contest until September 25.