-By Carolann Fisher-Linn-
Earlier this week, our Jewish friends celebrated Rosh Hashanah. It is a time to reflect upon the past year and seek forgiveness for any unkind things they may have committed. More importantly, it is a time for them to think about priorities and what is truly important to them.
This is also the time of year for citizens throughout this land to determine what their priorities are and what is truly important to them as they prepare to go to the voting booths for the upcoming election. I am writing this on Monday, September 26, 2022. We have 42 days or 6 weeks (less when you read this) to figure out who will give you and your family the best representation. That’s not a lot of time when you try to sift through the mixed messages that appear everywhere from social media to television “news,” your own local newspapers and neighborhood conversations in the post office, barbershop, restaurants, or grocery store. What, or whom to believe?
Do your homework and draw your own conclusions. Be honest with yourself. Is the person carrying your party banner going to deliver the goods? Are you choosing to be a one-party across-the-board voter, or perhaps will your vote be based on only one issue, regardless of how your candidate may feel about others, maybe even against your own desires? Look at the four major issues that people across this great nation say concern them: the economy and inflation, voting and election issues, crime and gun policy, and abortion rights.
Study the issues and the candidates. See how your values and concerns stack up against what they are saying they will do for you. Don’t let one singular issue drive you to vote for someone whose values and platform oppose your values and needs at every turn but one. Do your homework, folks. This is a critical election, and every concerned, responsible citizen needs to SHOW UP!!!
Kevin Burleson, Cattaraugus County Democratic Election Commissioner related that “this election might be the first time a lot of voters will become aware of the new law for absentees.” He shared this recent law change information for the upcoming election: “New York State voters are no longer permitted to cast a ballot on a voting machine if they have already been issued an absentee ballot for that election.” Translation: If you find you can get to vote in person after you have simply applied for an absentee ballot, things get very complicated including affidavits and jumping through hoops. It can be done but the smartest thing is to be sure you want the absentee ballot to begin with so you can be assured your vote will be counted and not lost in limbo somewhere.
Once you even request that absentee ballot on-line or in person, stay home and complete the absentee process. And, yes, if you have exposure concerns because of Covid, that law is still in effect until December 31, 2022, and you may declare that as your reason for the absentee ballot. The good thing about the law changes regarding absentee ballots is those received by voting day, November 8, will be counted in the tally at the end of that day giving a clearer picture of the vote tallies. In previous years, all absentee ballots were counted after election day. Now, absentee ballots that come after November 8, but still within the required date limits, will be counted as they come in and added to the totals.
You may apply for an absentee ballot using the online portal for Absentee Ballot Application: https://absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/ . You can also go in-person to your local county board of elections or you can designate another person to deliver your application in-person to your local county board of elections and receive your ballot. Deadlines: 10/24 last day BOE to receive ballot application by letter, telefax or through portal. Monday,11/7 final day to apply IN-PERSON for absentee ballot. Tuesday, 11/8 final day to postmark ballot. 11/8 last day to deliver ballot IN-PERSON to local BOE or any poll site in your county.
Not registered to vote yet? It’s your privilege and duty as an American citizen to vote. Please register by October 14.