From Duane Frankson, Esq., Judicial Candidate for Kings County 7th Municipal District
Congratulations Brooklyn on a primary election noted by historically high turnout. Why didn’t you see my name on the ballot for the primary? As it turns out I am the only democratic candidate for Brooklyn’s 7th Municipal District Court Civil Court seat and in the interest of economy, the Board of Elections cancelled the primary advancing me to the general election.
Despite there being no primary race in my contest, our team remained active in the community, urging residents to vote and sharing the message about why consistent voting is so important. Casting a ballot isn’t only about choosing specific candidates. Voting is one way the government measures what our community needs. It also helps inform elected officials by giving them the insights they need to better understand the everyday experiences and challenges of the people they represent. When voter turnout is persistently low, a gap can emerge between the people making decisions and those being represented. Such gaps often create misunderstandings that stand in the way of addressing community needs effectively.
While out campaigning, I’ve continued to engage with and learn from neighbors across Bushwick, East New York, Cypress Hills, and Brownsville. I’ve spoken with individuals who view voting as a privilege, and I’ve also heard from those who feel voting makes no difference. I completely understand the frustration behind that viewpoint, but how can we know voting doesn’t work unless we participate? I’m not saying that one high-turnout election will magically fix everything overnight. Rather, it’s sustained high voter participation in every election that holds the real power to transform our communities.
I’ll appear on the ballot this coming November, and from now until the general election, we’ll keep working to connect with voters and encourage stronger civic engagement as a pathway toward better neighborhoods. I hope you’ll join us in this effort. Three commitments we can each make to help move our communities forward include:
Voting:
Register to vote. If you’re already registered, confirm your registration status with the Board of Elections to avoid any delays at the polls. If you run into any issues while voting, make sure to complete a provisional ballot and follow up with the Board of Elections to report your concerns.
Community Boards:
Reach out to your local community board and attend their meetings on a regular basis. Community Boards are often the quickest link to neighborhood resources, programs, and information that can help you navigate various challenges. These boards meet monthly and have several committees focused on different topics. I always leave Community Board meetings feeling more knowledgeable and empowered. To find your Community Board, call 311 or visit NYC.GOV.
Advocate:
I’ve learned that meaningful conversations are key to building and maintaining strong community ties. Talk with your family, friends, elected officials, and community leaders. Let’s work to make civic engagement a normal part of our everyday conversations and gently hold one another accountable for playing our individual parts.
What’s your perspective? We will be hosting a community “Meet and Greet” at BKLYN Blend on July 31, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please come share your thoughts on why civic engagement matters and offer any ideas you have for increasing voter participation.
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