Testifying at the Redistricting Hearings: What to Expect | ACT NOW

It?s September and our fight for fair redistricting in New York State is down to the wire. The State Senate and Assembly have still not passed non-partisan redistricting and now the official redistricting process ? LATFOR, for short ? has begun.

That?s why we?re asking you to join us?in entering?official testimony at New York City?s upcoming redistricting hearings. ?This is your opportunity to raise awareness of how gerrymandering affects your community and the importance of passing non-partisan redistricting this year!

But you may have questions about testifying, such as, What if I really, really don?t like public speaking? Well, never fear. Read on and you?ll soon know everything there is to know about the LATFOR testifying process. And if you want to know even more, just write to us at info@actnowny.org.

Do I need to register or can I just show up?

While you do not have to register beforehand, you are strongly encouraged to do so, as speaking is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.?RSVP here.

What if I sign up and then it turns out I cannot attend?

If you sign up and then cannot attend, that is just life. No one?s going to send the cops out after you or anything. That means, there is no downside to signing up now. RSVP here.

How long should my testimony be?

You may submit as much written testimony as you like, but you will only have five minutes to speak.

Can I testify in writing only? As in, can I skip the whole public speaking thing?

Yes, you can testify in writing anytime up to the hearing date. There is no page limit to written testimonies. But we encourage you to attend the hearings even if you do not speak.

Do I have to sit there all day waiting for my name to be called?

It depends on how many people are testifying that day. The sooner you sign up, the sooner you can appear. And yes, they will keep the hearings going as long as necessary so that everyone who registers gets to speak.?RSVP here.

So I just get up there and speak my mind and that?s it?

Not exactly. The LATFOR panel can also ask you questions about your testimony. So be ready to be asked to elaborate on any issues you bring up. Testifying is a two-way street!

Can I testify at a LATFOR hearing if it is not in my borough?

Yes, you may testify at a LATFOR hearing that is not in your borough.

Can I testify at more than one LATFOR hearing?

Yes, you can testify at every LATFOR hearing if you like!

Can I testify at LATFOR if I am not registered to vote?

Yes. Our legislators have to represent us whether or not we are registered to vote.

Can I testify at LATFOR if I am not a citizen?

You must be a citizen to testify, but you may attend the hearings as a non-citizen.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

You need to bring ten copies of your testimony with you. This is so the LATFOR panel can follow along with you.

What are the hearings dates, again?

Queens: September 7

Bronx: September 8

Brooklyn: September 20

Manhattan: September 21

Staten Island: September 22

Source: http://www.actnowny.org/3621/testifying-at-the-redistricting-hearings-what-to-expect/

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