The city-wide election campaign endorsement kicked off today (25th), aiming to enhance the representation of the Chinatown and Lower East Side communities in municipal decision-making. The candidate for the Chinatown area, Yu Jinshan, and the candidate for the Lower East Side area, Wang Di, are urging Democratic voters to actively sign and support them, helping them meet the election threshold and proceed to the next stage of the election.
Yu Jinshan and Wang Di have led numerous community protests in recent years, opposing the city’s unlimited expansion of homeless shelters in the Lower Downtown area, complaining about the increasing crime rate, protesting against congestion fees, supporting the rights of immigrant seniors, and addressing issues such as housing pressures and fires.
Yu Jinshan explained that Lower Manhattan is divided into four district leader electoral zones: A, B, C, and D. In this election, he represents the D district, located in the center of Chinatown near the SoHo area; Wang Di is running in the B district, covering Chinatown, Two Bridges, and the Lower East Side. The two candidates represent different districts without conflict. If both candidates are elected, it will not only consolidate the voting power of the Chinese community but also advocate for fairer rights for all residents in Lower Downtown.
According to the Election Commission regulations, each district leader candidate must obtain 500 valid signatures to successfully enter the election process. However, candidates usually need at least 1,500 signatures to handle potential challenges and invalid signatures and securely move to the next stage. Wang Di and Yu Jinshan will begin signature endorsement actions from Tuesday (25th), visiting major streets in Chinatown, Two Bridges, and the Lower East Side to interact with voters face-to-face. The two candidates urge all eligible Democratic voters to sign and support actively, empowering themselves for a greater voice and laying a solid foundation for the future of the community together.
Wang Di stated, “This election is not just about winning a position but also an opportunity for the entire community to say no to unfair practices.”
Yu Jinshan emphasized that as district leaders, elected officials will act as bridges between the community and the government, assisting residents in seeking resources and reflecting their real needs.
Both of them are committed to improving the housing environment in Chinatown and surrounding communities, promoting economic development, expanding educational opportunities, and enhancing public safety, ensuring that every policy is implemented where the community needs it most.