Brooklynites Mobilize for Hudson Valley Elections
Lauren B. Cramer, a dedicated lawyer and resident of Brooklyn, has raised her two daughters in the vibrant borough while commuting into Manhattan for work. Nearby lives Allen Zerkin, an adjunct professor specializing in public service, along with Heather Weston, a dynamic entrepreneur. Despite their close-knit community in Brooklyn, come this Election Day, all three Brooklynites—along with five additional members of their households—are gearing up to cast their ballots in support of Democrats in closely contested swing districts located in New York’s picturesque Hudson Valley.
This phenomenon represents a growing trend among affluent, predominantly left-leaning New Yorkers who are leveraging a unique aspect of state law. This law permits second-home owners to vote from their country cottages, vacation escapes, and Hamptons residences, many of which are situated in some of the most fiercely competitive congressional districts across the nation. This trend can aptly be termed the emergence of weekender politics.
The timing is no coincidence. With several districts in play, New York has become a pivotal battleground in the quest for control of Congress. Democratic organizers believe that by registering even a small fraction of the tens of thousands of second-home owners in the state, they can potentially shift the balance of power from a Republican majority to a Democratic one.
As of late September, efforts spearheaded by MoveIndigo, an organization at the forefront of this initiative, have successfully facilitated the registration of nearly 2,500 voters who have transitioned their registrations from New York City to one of the state’s swing districts. This number is anticipated to rise as Election Day approaches.
The expansive 19th District has experienced the most significant influx, with 1,040 new voters now registered at their second homes nestled in the scenic Hudson Valley and Catskills regions. Representative Marc Molinaro, a Republican, narrowly secured the seat in 2022 by a margin of 4,500 votes and is currently locked in a tight race with Democrat Josh Riley.