Campaign Supporters Turn Out at Queens Village Polling Site in Droves

Hundreds of supporters for candidates running for the District 23 council seat talk to early voters at the Creedmoor Hospital polling site (Photo: Queens Post)

June 20, 2021 By Christian Murray

Early voters who turned out at the Creedmoor Hospital polling site Sunday were greeted to hundreds of people campaigning on behalf of their candidates in what in many respects was a traditional Indian family affair.

“Happy Fathers Day and please vote for my dad,” said the adult daughter of Hapreet S. Toor, who is running to represent the 23^rd Council district that includes Queens Village, Glen Oaks and other areas of eastern Queens.

She was part of a large crew of Toor supporters—with most of them dressed in traditional Sikh clothing —handing out literature. Her older brother was also campaigning near the 79-25 Winchester Blvd polling site: ‘Please vote for my dad and this is what the ballot will look like.”

The campaigning by the polling site was like a street party.

“This is the way elections are done in India,” said Hapreet S. Toor, an Indian immigrant who has solicited the help of his family and friends in his quest to take the seat. “People come out…it’s a campaign and party.”

There were several campaigns represented. They set tables up across the street from the Creedmoor polling site, with signage, food and dozens of people handing out campaign fliers. There were vehicles parked with the names of candidates plastered all over them.

Jaslin Kaur, a candidate for the 23^rd district, had tables that were operated by supporters who were handing out fliers and urging people to vote for her. Kaur’s father, an immigrant from India, was there too and was greeting voters coming out of a nearby parking. “Please vote for my daughter, Jaslin Kaur,” he said, while handing out fliers.

Jaslin said that the polling site has been very active since early voting began June 12. “It’s like a carnival,” she said, noting that the Creedmoor site was the early-voting site most used by District 23 voters.

Her tables were next to signs for candidate Koshy Thomas who is also seeking office.

Sanjeev Jindal, another candidate vying for the District 23 seat, was there with his father and many supporters who were speaking to candidates while enjoying food and handing out fliers.

Jindal, who is also from India, approached voters and said— “if you already have a number 1 choice make sure you rank me number 2.”

There were also tables and campaign staffers on the site for candidates Linda Lee, Steve Behar and Debra Markell—who are also vying for the 23rd District Council seat. However, their supporters were not out in such big numbers.

Supporters of Jaslin Kaur and Koshy Thomas, both running for the District 23 council seat, target early voters at the Creedmoor Hospital voting site (Photo: Queens Post)