The Polish American Congress, New York (PAC, NY) division has launched a registration drive to help Poles register before the upcoming city government elections.

PAC, NY started its initiative last Sunday, June 28. Representatives of the organization set up registration tables in front of three Polish churches in Brooklyn: St. Stanislau Kostka and St. Cyril and Methodius in Greenpoint, and Williamsburg's Our Lady of Consolation Church.

According to PAC, the action met with great interest from the community. Many people wanted to sign up for voting; however, some were disappointed to find out that without U.S. citizenship they are not eligible to register and vote in any election.

"We managed to register around 30 people," says Frank Milewski, president of PAC, NY. One of the first to register in the voter drive was Jan Sporek, a renowned music director and composer in New York.

"We need to prove to the American politicians that we are actively participating in the political life of this country. I always tell Polish people that politicians care only for those who vote for them," said Milewski. Milewski registered close to 600 Poles in New York City, Long Island and Westchester during last year's registration drive aimed chiefly at motivating the Polish community to vote in the presidential elections.

Once registered, a person can participate in U.S. elections on all levels: city, state and federal.

This year, New Yorker City residents will elect officials to local government, including mayor, city comptroller, public advocate and members to the City Council. PAC's registration drive will focus on all five city boroughs, but especially in Brooklyn and Queens – regions most heavily populated by our community. [pic]Milewski also said that he is going to inform local politicians about the initiative.

"Before elections, politicians like to make appearances to meet and talk to communities. We hope they will show up during our drive. It would be an opportunity for them to promote their agendas and to campaign. For us it is a chance to prove that the Polish community is numerous and that registered Poles constitute a potential political power," Milewski said.