Early Voting Begins Oct. 24, Get Out and Be Heard
Column from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
Saturday, Oct. 24 begins one of the most unique election cycles in modern history as new early voting procedures will be available at certain locations around the state. While this year’s elections might be conducted differently, our civic duty and the importance of voter participation remain unchanged. Voting is an expression of freedom, choice and civic engagement and is important at every level of government. Voting is the foundation of our democracy, and I encourage all eligible voters to get out and make their voices heard.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, several new laws were passed in order to facilitate safer voting. As such, New Yorkers can now cast their votes for elected officials three different ways: via absentee ballot, early in-person voting and by traditional in-person Election Day voting. New guidelines permit any registered voter to request an absentee ballot if they are concerned for their health. Tuesday, Oct. 27 is the last day to request an absentee ballot online, via fax or email, while Monday, Nov. 2 is the last day to request one in person.
For those using absentee ballots, they can be mailed (postmarked no later than Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3), dropped off at an early voting site beginning, Saturday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 1 or brought to a polling site or county board of elections office on Election Day no later than 9 p.m. Be sure all absentee ballots are signed and in their proper envelopes.
Voters in the 120th Assembly District can exercise new early voting options at select times and locations. Information about health and safety regulations, dates and times, can be found here:
For those planning to vote in person on Election Day, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you’re not sure where to cast your vote, New York residents can find their poll site here. For more detailed information, please reach out to your county board of elections office.
Anyone choosing to vote or drop off their ballot in person, please be sure to follow the local health guidelines and best practices. Wear a mask and keep your distance from other voters. This has been an extremely challenging year, but if we follow the rules and listen to the experts, we’ll all be able to safely select our representatives and participate in our sacrosanct democracy.
If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 200 North Second Street, Fulton, New York 13069 and by email at barclayw@nyassembly.gov.