NEW YORK, New York – Early voting for the Democratic Primary Election in the Caribbean community in New York started on Saturday and runs until next Sunday, June 23
“Voting early is convenient, fast and flexible,” Brooklyn Democratic Party Leader, New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Saturday.
Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, said, on the ballot are the Democratic nominations for Representative in Congress (Congressional District 10); New York State Assemblymembers (41st, 50th, 52nd, and 56th Assembly Districts);
New York State Senator (59th Senate District); District Leaders/State Committee Members; and Judge of the Civil Court (6th Municipal District).
Bichotte Hermelyn has endorsed Caribbean-American lawyer Kenneth E. Gayle, whose late father hailed from Jamaica, for election as Civil Court Judge, 6th Municipal District (Brooklyn).
“Kenneth Gayle is extremely qualified for Civil Court Judge, with over a decade of experience at his respected law firm with vast expertise practicing in civil rights, torts, real estate, wills and estates and more; providing an extensive and fresh understanding of the court’s needs,” she said.
Gayle told CMC that he was “extremely honored to be endorsed by Hermelyn.
“Garnering support from Bichotte Hermelyn – a lifelong community advocate and leader with an unparalleled track record of accomplishments uplifting all New Yorkers – showcases the growing, strong support for my candidacy,” he said.
Gayle – whose late father, Kennth E. Gayle, Jr., had migrated to Brooklyn from Kingston, Jamaica, when he was eight years old.
Gayle has also been endorsed by several local elected officials, including Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants; New York State Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants; and New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis, the daughter of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants.
Cunningham, who represents the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn, said he has offered his “full endorsement and support” for Anthony Beckford, another son of Jamaican immigrants, for Male District Leader and State Committee Member of the 43rd Assembly District.
Cunningham also endorsed Grenadian-born Sarana Purcell’s re-election for Female District Leader and State Committee Member.
District Leaders are elected, unpaid leaders of the Brooklyn Democratic Party. There is one female and one male District Leader representing each Assembly District.
District Leaders make decisions that affect every day Brooklynites, such as voting on Democratic Party leadership, helping to staff poll sites and nominating local judicial candidates.
“Having had the privilege of working closely with both Anthony and Sarana, I feel confident in their overall leadership and their dedication to the district,” said Cunningham, stating that Purcell is “a dedicated community leader and public servant.
“With over 17 years of experience in government and community relations, Sarana has made significant contributions at various levels of government at the city, state and federal level,” Cunningham said.
Primary Election Day is on June 25.