Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton have finally agreed to terms for a Brooklyn debate ahead of the New York primary of April 19.

Debate Night Set in Brooklyn

According to a statement from the Sanders campaign, the independent Vermont senator accepted another invitation to debate Clinton in New York. Both campaigns have reportedly went back and forth about the date and location of the debate, but have agreed to Brooklyn on April 14 with CNN and local news television station NY1-Time Warner Cable.

"We are glad that she finally has agreed," said Sanders' spokesman Michael Briggs, adding that the Vermont senator has been pressing to a primetime television debate to ensure a great number of New Yorkers and Americans hear both candidates talk about issues ranging from the economy and the campaign finance system.

"It's great for the people of New York that there will be a debate in Brooklyn, something that the Clinton campaign has long opposed," added Briggs. "Fortunately, we were able to move a major New York City rally scheduled for April 14 to the night before. We hope the debate will be worth the inconvenience for thousands of New Yorkers who were planning to attend our rally on Thursday but will have to change their schedules to accommodate Secretary Clinton's jam-packed, high-dollar, coast-to-coast schedule of fundraisers all over the country."

The Sanders campaign said it had initially agreed to NBC's debate invitation scheduled for April 17, but the date conflicted with Clinton's schedule.

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who initially scheduled only six debates for the 2016 Democratic presidential season and later agreed to add more, acknowledged the New York debate has been approved as it met the framework previously agreed by both Sanders and Clinton's campaigns.

"Every time our candidates take the stage they show the temperament and judgment the American people expect in a President and Commander in Chief. While the Republican primary has sunk deeper and deeper into chaos, the Democratic primary continues to show democracy at its best and we look forward to seeing our candidates debate next week," said Wasserman Schultz.

The New York Electorate

Taking into account all of New York City's diverse ethnicities, only one in four of the Big Apple's voters participated in the 2014 midterm general election, which furthered a downward trend recognized by NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer. New York State is home to the fourth largest Latino population, with approximately 3.7 million, and 1.9 million are eligible to vote.

Stringer wants to improve voter turnout and introduced 16 ideas to increase voter access and turnout and improve how elections are administered.

"As New Yorkers head to the polls to elect our next president, it's important to remember that voting is not only a fundamental right - it is the most important tool we have to ensure accountability in our democracy," Stringer said in a statement. "Turnout in recent elections in New York has been abysmal and yet our laws often prevent, rather than encourage, people from participating. We need to make it easier for every New Yorker to register and vote."

Among the 16 ideas are pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds that will then become active once becoming 18 years old, allowing same-day Election Day registration, permitting "no-excuse" absentee voting, expanding poll inspections and enhance access for Limited English Proficiency New Yorkers, which will provide voting materials in additional languages.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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