It is time to vote for who will sit on Community Education Councils around the city, and if you are having trouble voting at home, the city has launched sites in every borough where you can vote in-person.

That’s what parents were doing at P.S. 154 Harriet Tubman in Harlem, with the help of parent coordinator Monique Kennedy, who assisted them with logging in to their New York City Schools Accounts.

“I’m glad I’m here and able to support my parents with this, not just voting for the CEC for an elected official, or the candidates that are running, but that parent coordinators are here to support them in the schools,” Kennedy said.

Many of those who voted in-person Wednesday evening were at the school to pick up their children from after-school activities, like Linda Maysonet. 

“I’ve never voted for CEC before. It’s my first time and I feel that it’s good voting for anyone for CEC, because I see that they do serve the children,” Maysonet said.

There’s a council in every community school district. CEC members can vote on school zoning matters, and the councils host public meetings and town halls.

They replaced school boards under mayoral control, and their role is largely advisory, but they can have real influence on policy matters in their districts.

Candidates put forth their views in forums held earlier this year, which can be watched online.

“You can look up their background [information] and what they’re looking forward to helping with,” Maysonet said.

The in-person hours help ensure everyone can participate in the election.

“Having in-person voting locations allows some of our families who don’t have internet access or have trouble logging on the opportunity to still participate and activate their right to vote in our community education council elections,” Kenita Lloyd, the deputy chancellor of family and community engagement and external affairs at the New York City Department of Education, said.

But, you don’t have to come in-person. You can vote online right now.

“I urge everyone to just vote. Vote today. Vote right now. Open up your laptop. Look at the candidate forums if you feel like you don't know who is there,” Cristina Melendez, the executive director of family and community empowerment for the DOE, said.

And if you have trouble logging in, Melendez suggests reaching out to your school’s parent coordinator.

At P.S. 154, Kennedy says that’s always an option.

“You can contact the parent coordinator any time. You guys have my cell number, my email. I have yours too,” Kennedy said.

Parents can find out more at schools.nyc.gov.