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Voting & Registration

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1. Can I register in person?

Yes. Many public agencies are now providing voter registration forms and assistance. You can also register at Board of Elections Office at the County Courthouse on Greenbush Street in Cortland, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

2. Can someone help me to vote?

If you need some help because you are disabled or cannot read the ballot, federal law allows you to have a friend or relative assist you in the voting booth. Elections employees at the polling place are also ready to help you.

3. Do I have to register every year?

No. Once you register, you are permanently registered. Name, address or party enrollment changes can be made by submitting a new registration application.

4. How do candidates get on the ballot?

In New York State, most candidates get on the ballot by filing a petition containing a specified number of signatures. The required amount varies, depending on the office sought and whether the candidate is seeking a party nomination or a spot on the ballot as an independent.

5. How do I enroll in a political party?

You voluntarily enroll in any party by indicating your preference on the voter registration form either at the same time that you register to vote or by re-registering.

6. How can I get an absentee ballot?

Absentee ballot applications can be obtained by writing the Board of Elections, or by calling 607-753-5032.

7. How do I apply for an absentee ballot?

It's easy. Anytime during the year you may telephone or write to your County Board of Elections requesting an application for the ballot. You may also apply in person at the Board of Elections, or have someone pick up the application for you.

Upon completion, the application must be mailed to the Board of Elections no later than seven days before the election or delivered in person no later than the day before the election.

8. How do voting machines work?

When you enter the voting booth, pull the large red handle to activate the machine. Do not move it until you have completed your selections. You have three minutes in which to vote. Make your selections by moving the lever next to the name of each candidate you wish to vote for until an 'X' appears. You can change your mind and move the levers up and down as often as necessary. However, once your choices are made, leave them down and pull the large red handle to register and count your vote.

9. How does an absentee ballot work?

An absentee ballot is a paper ballot which looks exactly like the ballot on the voting machine. In this manner, your vote remains secret.

Keep in mind that unless the oath is signed and the ballot is enclosed in the secrecy envelope, your ballot will not be counted.

This ballot, if mailed, must be postmarked no later than the day before election or, if personally delivered, must be received by the Board of Elections no later than the close of polls on election day, 9:00 p.m.

10. How will I know where to vote?

You should receive a postcard from the Board of Elections some time in August, telling you where to vote. Watch for it! It will also indicate your election district number which you need to know on election day. You may call us at 607-753-5032 and we will tell you your appropriate polling place.

11. If I register to vote, will I be called for jury duty?

Jurors are drawn from list of state taxpayers and licensed drivers as well as from voter registration rolls. Do not give up your right to vote in the hope that you will avoid jury duty. Chances are, if you pay taxes or drive a car, you will still be called. Besides, serving on a jury is a privilege, one that permits you to personally stand up for all Americans' right to trial by a jury of their peers.

12. Should I be concerned about signing a petition?

Whether or not you sign a petition is a personal choice.

Some people refuse to sign petitions. Reluctance to sign petitions makes it difficult for potential candidates without strong political party backing to get the requisite number of signatures and run for elected office. Signing a petition is an important way to participate in the electoral process.

Some people sign candidates' petitions on a first-come-first-served basis, without regard for the candidates' political beliefs. This practice can result in you signing a petition for a candidate who doesn't share your political philosophies, and who may have goals in government you oppose.

The best way to participate in the petition process is to become familiar with the candidates before signing. If a candidate, or his/her supporter, whom you are not familiar with approaches you for your signature, you may ask some questions about the candidate's beliefs and goals. Then you will be able to make an informed decision whether or not to sign the candidate's petition.

Signing a petition does not obligate you to vote for the candidate in the Primary or General Election.

13. What happens if I can't vote on election day?

If you will be out of town on election day or are physically unable to go to the polls, you can vote by absentee ballot.

14. What is a Primary Election?

A primary is an election that may take place within each of New York State's official political parties. It precedes the general election and provides enrolled political party members the opportunity to nominate their party's candidates for elected office as well as to elect various party officials. However, if there is no contest, there is no primary.

15. What do I need when I go to vote?

Nothing. Just appear at the polling place indicated on the card you get from the Board of Elections between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on election day. You need not show any identification or your card from the Board of Elections in order to vote.

16. What do I do when I get to the polling place?

When you enter the polling place, you'll see tables and voting machines for one or more election districts (E.D.) At the table for your E.D. you will be asked to sign next to a facsimile of your original signature on an alphabetical computerized poll-list.

17. What if I have no absentee ballot application available?

Absentee ballots may also be requested by a letter which must be received by the Board of Elections no earlier than 30 days and no later than seven days before the election. This letter must contain:
-the address where you are registered
-the address to which you want the ballot mailed
-the reason for the request
-the signature of the applicant

An absentee ballot will be sent along with an application form which you must then complete and return with your ballot.

Remember, unless you are eligible for a permanent absentee ballot or will be continuously absent between the dates of primary and general election, you must file an application for each election.

18. What if I'm not permitted to vote?

If you are not on the poll-list, it may because your registration form was not received or, for a primary, because you aren't enrolled in a party. If you believe that you are eligible, you can still vote. Ask for an affidavit ballot, which is basically a paper ballot. After the election, the Board of Elections will check its records and your vote will be counted, if you are indeed eligible to vote. If not, you will receive a notice that you are not eligible, along with a registration application for future elections.

19. When do I apply for an absentee ballot?

You may request an absentee ballot application at any time.

If you mail an application, it must be postmarked no later than seven days before the election for which you are requesting the absentee ballot. If you are delivering the application in person (or someone you have designated is delivering it for you) you may do so up until close of business (5 p.m.) the day before the Election.

20. Where can I get a mail-in voter registration application?

By calling the Board of Elections at 607-753-5032 and ask to have a postage-paid application sent to you. You may also pick one up at your local post office, library or motor vehicle office.

21. Who can sign a petition?

Only enrolled party members may sign petitions for candidates who seek their party's nomination. Party members may sign for only one candidate for a specific elected office. Signing two or more petitions for the same elected office invalidates the signatures. However, any registered voter living within the appropriate district may sign a petition for a candidate seeking to run as an independent in the general election, as long as s/he has not already signed on behalf of another candidate.

22. Who can vote?

You must be a registered voter in order to vote in the general or primary elections. To register, you must be a United States citizen, be 18 years old by the date of the election you want to vote, live at your present address for at least 30 days before an election, not be in jail or on parole for a felony conviction, and not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

23. Who is eligible for an Absentee Ballot?

Any registered voter who will be out of their county of residence on any primary, special or general election day due to occupation, business, vacation or studies. A voter who is ill or disabled or detained in jail awaiting grand jury action or confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony, may apply for an absentee ballot.

Anyone who is permanently ill or disabled may apply for permanent absentee ballot. The Board of Elections will investigate the facts given and, if satisfied, will mark the voter's record "Permanently Disabled", a ballot will automatically be mailed for each election thereafter in which the voter is qualified to vote.

In New York State you may not vote in a primary election unless you are enrolled in the political party holding a primary. In this case, an absentee ballot would not be issued to anyone not enrolled in a party. You may enroll in a party at anytime, but be aware that any change is not effective until after the next general election.

24. Why should I enroll in a political party?

Enrolled party members who help nominate candidates by signing petitions and voting in the primary have greater political clout than non-enrolled voters who can vote only in the general election.

Moreover, you are not obligated to vote for your party's candidate in the general election. In November, you may vote for any candidate from any party.