OWEGO, N.Y. (WBNG) — Election Day is just two weeks away, and early voting in New York State starts soon, so here’s what you need to know before you cast your ballot.
Kelly Johnson and James Wahls with the Tioga County Board of Elections said it’s a great way to avoid the lines on Election Day and get your ballot out.
“It is important to early vote if you can or if you need to,” Johnson said. “Things pop up. Illnesses, transportation issues, and elections are just too important to risk not being able to vote.”
“New York’s deadline to register to vote falls on the same day as the start of early voting, Oct. 24, which is known as “Golden Day,” Johnson said.
Unregistered voters can submit their vote through an affidavit ballot.
“You won’t be found in our poll book, but you can vote by the affidavit ballot,” Wahls explained. “You seal your ballot in that envelope instead of casting it on a machine. And we register you from the affidavit envelope and count your ballot following the election.”
Voters can also vote by mail through an absentee ballot. These ballots can be sent through the postal service, to your local board of elections, or left in a ballot drop box.
“If you apply by mail or by online portal, those applications must be received by the Board of Elections by this Saturday, the 24th,” Wahls said. “However, if you apply in person over the counter, you can do that up until the day before the election.
In Broome County, early voting starts on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 9 a.m. You can vote early until Sunday, Nov. 1.
The same is true for Tioga County, although there is only one location for early voting.
For those who choose to vote in person, a list of Broome County polling places can be found on the county’s website. Those looking to vote in Tioga County can find polling locations here.
A link to find your polling place can be found here.
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