Free Child Care On Election Day

The Y.M.C.A. East Hampton RECenter will join hundreds of Y.M.C.A. facilities across the nation in providing free child care on Tuesday for people heading to the polls. The service will be available between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. 

While children are in the care of the RECenter, the staff will lead activities in the arts, physical education, science, literacy, “and everyone’s favorite —  video game tournaments,” Glenn Vickers, the executive director of the East Hampton RECenter, said. He added that preregistration for the service, which requires parents or caretakers to fill out a simple form, would be appreciated.

USA Today reported on Saturday that the Y.M.C.A. 

initiative is meant to promote access to the polls and is part of a national campaign called Zoe’s Kids Day Out, which is aimed at empowering kids to become leaders.

“Election Day is arguably one of the most important days in the U.S. this year — the ultimate opportunity for Americans to make their voices heard through the democratic process,” Kevin Washington, the president and chief executive officer of the national Y.M.C.A., said in a statement. “Unfortunately, many people who want to vote find it challenging because they have to take children with them. The Y’s hope is that the Zoe’s Kids Day Out initiative enables those parents and caregivers to exercise their right to vote, and ensures children can spend their time in a safe, nurturing environment.