Mayor Adams urges NYC voter turnout, addresses subway surfing, drought

Mayor Eric Adams has emphasized the importance of public safety and voter engagement as the city approaches Election Day. “We want to ensure that election day is a fair opportunity for New Yorkers to cast their votes and ensure the integrity of our sacred electoral process,” he stated, encouraging residents to participate in the democratic process.

As concerns mount over subway surfing—a dangerous trend that has claimed six lives this year—Adams reiterated the city’s commitment to addressing the issue. “We are extremely concerned about the subway surfing. It has taken six lives this year and 20 serious injuries in the last two years alone,” he said, highlighting collaborative efforts between the NYPD, MTA, and community advocates to combat this behavior. The No. 7 line has been identified as a hotspot for these activities, prompting the introduction of drones to monitor at-risk areas. “We’re calling on social media to be responsible and not to promote these dangerous acts,” he urged.

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Amidst rising environmental concerns, Adams also addressed New York’s drought status, declaring a watch due to significantly low reservoir levels following an unusually dry October—the second longest dry streak on record since 1869. “We need a lot of rain, not just a little,” said Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala of the Department of Environmental Protection. “We need six inches of rain to recover what we are missing.” The Mayor’s administration is urging New Yorkers to conserve water and prepare for possible restrictions, should conditions worsen. “Every day we consume about 1 billion gallons of water; cutting consumption by just 5% can make a significant impact,” Aggarwala noted.

In closing, Adams underscored the critical need for New Yorkers to stay informed and engaged in both the electoral process and community safety initiatives. “The name of the game is to get out and vote. Exercise our democracy,” he urged, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to addressing the pressing issues facing the city.