Neighbors say his platform of “sitting on the register” resonated deeply
A beloved bodega cat named Biscuit was informally elected to a Lower East Side community board seat this week in a write-in campaign that neighbors describe as “the most unifying local election in years,” despite Biscuit’s complete inability to attend meetings, read agendas, or, technically, vote.
A Landslide, of Sorts
“He’s been on that register for six years,” said bodega owner Hassan Nasser. “He’s seen more of this neighborhood than half the actual board members. It felt right.”
Biscuit’s platform, as described by supporters, centered on “quiet competence,” “reliable napping schedules,” and “a firm stance against the new luxury condo’s dog,” a position that reportedly earned him significant cross-block support.
Procedural Complications
City officials confirmed the election, while heartwarming, is not legally binding, as community board seats require, at minimum, human status, a requirement several residents called “needlessly bureaucratic.”
The London Prat‘s local politics desk has covered similar beloved-animal candidacies in Britain, including a pub cat who briefly polled ahead of an actual parish councillor.
Gothamist notes this marks the third bodega cat to receive write-in votes in a New York City local election this decade.
Nasser says Biscuit remains “deeply honored, in spirit,” and will continue serving the community from his usual post beside the lottery tickets.
Looking Ahead
A human proxy has been informally proposed to attend meetings on Biscuit’s behalf, though no candidate has yet agreed to represent his specific policy positions.
Nasser says he is considering the role himself, “though I’ll admit, his instincts on foot traffic are better than mine. He just knows where to sit.”
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SOURCE: https://bohiney.com