Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Can the Board of Elections give out my voter registration information?

Yes, as long as a FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) form is completed, the Board of Elections is authorized to give out your voter information.  However, as per New York State Election Law Sec 3-103(5) information derived from voter registration records may not be used for non-election purposes under penalty of law.  The Board of Elections will never give out your social security number or signature.

Is the Board of Elections responsible for the
conducting of school elections?

The BOE is not involved with the running of any school elections, each of which is administered by the individual school districts.  The involvement of the BOE is limited to supplying the schools with a list of permanently disabled voters who may be given absentee ballots for use in a school election.  Questions regarding school elections should be directed to
your respective district. 

DETERMINING THE CANDIDATES -TOP

What is a primary election?

Primary elections are used to determine the candidates for New York State’s official political parties.  Primaries precede the general election and provide enrolled party members the opportunity to nominate their party's candidates as well as to elect various party officials.  If there is no contest within the party, no primary election is held.

How can I run for office?

We encourage all those concerned with the well-being of Putnam to become involved in the political process.  If you are interested in becoming a candidate, check out our “Running for Office” page.

Who can sign a petition?

Enrolled party members may only sign petitions for candidates who seek their party's nomination. 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 provided they have not already signed on behalf of another candidate in that race.

Should I be concerned about signing a petition?

Absolutely not!  Signing a petition is an important way to participate in the electoral process and in no way compels you to vote for that candidate.  The reluctance of some to sign petitions makes it difficult for those without strong political party backing to get the requisite number of signatures and run for elected office.  This hesitance can limit the field of candidates and potentially lower the quality of candidates available.

Why should I enroll in a political party?

Parties play an essential role in maintaining expediency in our political system.  Enrolled party members can help nominate candidates by signing petitions and voting in the primary election, giving them more political influence than an independent voter who can vote only in the general election. Moreover, you are not obligated to vote for your party's candidate in the November general election.   

How do I enroll in a political party?

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

How do I change my party enrollment?

Party changes can be made by submitting a new registration application.  Changes must be received twenty-five days before the year’s general election and will take effect seven days after the general election.  This means that a voter who submits an application for a party change in January will not become a member of that party until seven days after the November General Election, leaving them ineligible to vote in their new party’s September Primary Election.

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How will I know where and when to vote?

You should receive a postcard from the Board of Elections some time in August telling you where to vote and your election district number.  You can also use our On-line polling place locator to find this information.  

Please do not assume that you are voting at the same place you voted last year.  Redistricting occurs every ten years to reflect population changes and could result in the changing of your polling place.  Polling places can also change from year to year because of changes in voter enrollment.

When are the polls open?

Polling places are open on Election Day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

What do I need to bring when I go to vote?

We recommend that you bring your driver’s license to the polling place.  Election workers need to verify identification when a voter’s signature is not on file, if there has been a change of name, or if you are a first time voter who registered by mail.

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. At the table for your election district there will be an alphabetical computerized poll-list.  You will be asked to sign on this list next to a facsimile of your original signature.

What are my rights as a voter?

You can find a list of your voter rights here.

What if I'm not permitted to vote?

If you are not on the poll-list, ask the Inspector to verify that you are at the proper table and in the correct election district. There are several reasons why your name may not be on the poll-list. For example, you may not be registered with the party that is having a primary election, or you may be deemed ineligible because your registration form was not received by the deadline.

If you believe that you are eligible, you can still vote by asking for an affidavit ballot. After the election the Board of Elections will check its records and will count your vote if you are eligible and have voted at the correct polling site. If not, you will receive a notice that you were ineligible, but your affidavit (if fully completed) will be used as a registration form.

Will Putnam be using new voting machines?

All elections from 2009 will be administered with new optical scan voting machines.

How will the new optical scan voting machines work?

Upon arrival at the polls, you will first check in with the Inspectors where you will be presented with a paper ballot.  Next, you will proceed to a privacy booth where you will have time to read and mark your ballot.  Once completed, your ballot will be scanned and the voting process will be complete. For more information on these machines click here.

How do I mark a paper ballot?

Be sure to follow the directions that are printed on a paper ballot. Paper ballots are canvassed by scanning them with machines so you must mark them correctly.  Simply fill in the ovals near your choice with a pencil or a pen with blue or black ink. Do not use any other mark. Do not write anywhere else on the ballot.
If there are propositions up for vote, you will find them on the back of the ballot. Mark your vote by filling in the oval next to either "yes" or "no".

How do I cast a write-in ballot?

If you wish to vote for someone whose name does not appear on the ballot, you have the option of writing in the candidate of your choice. To cast a write-in vote using an optical scan voting machine, you write or stamp his or her name in the write-in box at the bottom of the column for that office. Write-in votes for someone whose name is already on the ballot will not be counted.

Can someone help me vote?

If you need help voting, federal law allows you to have a friend or relative assist you in the voting booth.  Your employer or union representative is not permitted to enter the voting machine with you.  Election workers at the polling place are also ready to help you.

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Who conducts the elections?

Elections are run by Election Inspectors.  These are paid positions for voters who are appointed by the Board of Elections and approved by their political party to serve a 1-year term.  Inspectors are trained and tested each year by county employees in order to insure competence.

What does an Election Inspector do?

Election Inspectors perform a variety of tasks to insure the smooth running of the polls on Election Day.  Some of their responsibilities include setting up the polling place, checking that voters are in their proper election districts, and making sure the ballot has not been tampered with.

When do Election Inspectors work?

Election Inspectors are required to be at the polling place from 5:30 A.M. until the final results have been called in at the end of the night (typically around 9:30 P.M.)

Can I become an Election Inspector?

The Board of Elections is always looking for Inspectors to work in upcoming elections.  If you are interested in becoming an Inspector, visit our Election Inspector page for more information.

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What happens if I cannot be at my polling place 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.

How can I get an absentee ballot?

You must fill out an absentee ballot application before receiving an absentee ballot.  Absentee ballot applications may also be obtained by writing the Board of Elections or by calling us at (845) 808-1300.  Applications can also be downloaded here.  Applications must be mailed no later than the seventh day before the election or delivered by hand no later than the day before the election.

What is the deadline for submitting an absentee ballot?

Absentee ballots must be postmarked by the day before Election Day or hand-delivered to the Board of Elections on Election Day.

I'm disabled. Where can I vote?

All polling places are now accessible to the handicapped. Disabled voters are also eligible to vote by absentee ballot. If you have a long-term or permanent illness or disability, you can apply for a permanent absentee ballot.  Permanent absentees automatically receive ballots before each primary and general election.

Are military personnel eligible to vote absentee?

Military personnel are entitled to absentee ballots.  They can be obtained by completing the Federal Post Card Application.  Further information can be acquired from the Department of Defense’s Federal Voter Assistance Program.

I used to live in Putnam but now I live abroad.  Can I vote absentee?

Provided that your address prior to leaving the US was in New York, you are eligible to vote absentee in select elections.  More info is available on our Absentee Voting page under “Special Federal.”