Online ads, text messages, email blasts, and brightly colored flyers across town are all sending the same message: the Congressional Primary Election is coming. For millions of voters in New York City, this is an important opportunity to help decide who gets the chance to represent them in Congress.
The winners of the June 23 primary will go on to run in the general election on Nov. 3. This is a consequential election that will decide which political party runs Congress.
Before casting a ballot, it is essential to understand which districts have competitive races, who the candidates are, what issues they are campaigning on, and how their decisions could affect the community. This kind of civic engagement is especially important for immigrant communities, whose urgent needs are often overlooked.
Read on to learn why the primary congressional election matters to the community and how a congressperson can help their district.
What is a Congressional Primary?
Congress has two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Congressional elections take place every two years. During these elections, every seat in the House and about one-third of the Senate are up for election. Because so many seats are at stake, voters must carefully consider their choices. That’s why before the general election, the primary race is set to help voters to narrow down which candidates will appear on the final ballot in November.
New York uses a closed primary system, in which only registered party members are permitted to participate in their party primary election.
Important dates:
- Primary election: June 23; last day for voter registration: June 13
- General election: Nov. 3; last day for voter registration: Oct. 24
Why does it matter?
According to the U.S. Vote Foundation, the selection of candidates helps shape a political party’s agenda, character and approach to governing the country. In short, every vote counts and it helps decide not only who appears on the ballot, but also what issues and priorities move forward at every level of government.
Members of Congress have many crucial roles. They are at their heart lawmakers, with the power to propose and vote on legislation. They also control the federal budget that funds government agencies as well as the executive branch. Members of Congress have the ability to investigate other officials through hearings and subpoenas and even initiate impeachment hearings. And Congress can declare war.
How can a congressperson help me?
A member of Congress is, in many ways, the people’s liaison in Washington, D.C. Their job is to represent the interests, concerns and priorities of the people in their district or state.
On the fun side, the Congressperson can help arrange visits or tours of the U.S. Capitol and other federal sites in Washington, D.C.
New York has 26 representatives in the House and two senators. Each member has many roles in Congress, including proposing and sponsoring bills, voting on legislation, overseeing issues involving the federal government and helping individuals, local governments and organizations navigate federal grants.
One of the main ways residents may interact with a congressional office is through casework. Casework is when a member of Congress or their staff helps constituents resolve problems involving federal agencies. For example:
- Passport, visa, immigration and travel issues
- Food and health programs, such as Medicaid and SNAP benefits
- Social Security, disability, Medicare and federal retirement benefits
- Housing programs, such as NYCHA and Section 8
- Veterans’ services
- IRS tax issues
- U.S. Postal Service
Though a congressional office cannot guarantee a specific outcome or force an agency to approve a request, it can contact the agency, ask for updates, help clarify what documents are needed, and sometimes help move a delayed case forward.
For example, a congressional office may be able to help if someone’s passport renewal is delayed before urgent travel, if a visa or immigration case has been pending for an unusually long time, or if a resident is struggling to get clear answers from a federal agency.
Though the format may vary, the office of Congressperson sometimes holds community outreach events or open office hours in their district to help eligible low-income families understand, apply for, or resolve issues with programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, NYCHA and Section 8. These events may also help residents get connected with federal agencies such as the IRS or the U.S. Postal Service.
You can find your member of Congress by entering your ZIP code here. Many members’ websites include useful information for residents, such as upcoming resource fairs, internship opportunities with the office, grants resources, U.S. service academy information session and other community programs.
A member of Congress may also offer official recognition for people in their district who have reached an important milestone or made a meaningful contribution to the community. For example, residents may request a congressional certificate or letter of recognition for achievements such as:
- Appointments to public office
- Awards or honors
- Citizenship
- Eagle Scout
- Election to public office
- Gold Star
- Graduation
- Heroism
- Military academy appointments
- Other achievements of public distinction
