By Miles Hilton
The seasons are definitely changing. Fall announces itself in the smell and color of changing leaves, the slower pace of life around us, and the chill in the air anticipating winter. But in addition to all of that, fall is also democracy season, hosting the general elections that determine who will hold office for the coming years.
This November 7th, voters across America will be able to cast their votes in the general election, weighing in not just on council members, mayors, and other elected officials, but also on ballot proposals, opportunities for voters to decide on changes to the laws and policies in their area.
Here’s everything you need to know to be prepared for the 2023 General Election.
When: November 7th, 2023. Polls will be open from 6am-9pm. If you are in line at 9pm, you have the right to cast your vote.
Where: Polling places across the county, depending on your town and Election District. See https://chqgov.com/board-elections/poll-site-locations for poll site locations in Chautauqua County, and https://www.cattco.org/polling-places for polling places in Cattaraugus County.
How: Simply arrive at your polling place during open hours to cast your vote. In New York State you do not need to bring ID to vote, and you are entitled by law to up to three paid hours off work to vote. See the FAQ at https://chqgov.com/board-of-elections/Board-of-Elections for more information.
To vote, you must be registered. Registration applications, found at https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/voting/voteregform-eng-fillable.pdf, must be received no later than October 28.
Early Voting: Both counties will provide early voting from October 28 to November 5. In Chautauqua County, there will be four early voting sites, one each in Jamestown, Dunkirk, Mayville, and Lakewood. See https://chqgov.com/board-of-elections/Early-Voting-Information for more information. In Cattaraugus County, early voting will take place at two polling sites, one in Little Valley and one in Olean. See https://www.cattco.org/news/cattaraugus-county-early-voting-communication-plan-2023-14596 for more information.
Absentee Voting: If you will be away from home on election day, you may apply to vote by Absentee Ballot. To apply, print the NYS Absentee Ballot Application and deliver it by hand or mail to your county board of elections. A ballot will then be mailed to you at the address you specify. Absentee ballot applications must be received by October 23, and ballots must be postmarked no later than November 7.
Important Deadlines:
October 28: Last day for voter registration applications to be received by your county Board of Elections, in order to vote in the general election.
October 28-November 5: Early voting days
November 7: Election day, and last day to postmark ballots for absentee voting.
All New Yorkers can look up their voter registration status, find their polling place, and track their absentee ballot (if applicable) at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/