This year's polling features federal, state and county elections, including U.S. congressional offices, governor and lieutenant governor, comptroller, attorney general, senate and assembly, county comptroller and clerk and various judicial positions. There are also two proposals on the back of the ballot: one statewide and one countywide. For a comprehensive listing of races and candidates, you can check out the sample ballot booklet issued by the Suffolk County Board of Elections (available at our Adult Services desk). The official Suffolk County website (including the Board of Elections) has been unavailable since September 8th due to a hacking attempt, so online access to this and other local election information is limited and must be obtained from other sources (including the links and resources referenced in this and previous blog entries).
Remember to fill out BOTH sides of your ballot, which you can cast using one of the following methods:
Vote Early
As in previous elections, any voter registered in Suffolk County can vote at ANY one of 27 specified early voting locations from Saturday, October 29th through Sunday, November 6th. The closest polling sites for Huntington residents are Huntington Public Library’s Station Branch, Dix Hills Fire Department and Greenlawn Public Library. All early voting sites have the same hours.
Note: If you cast a ballot during early voting, you are NOT allowed to vote again on Election Day.
Vote on Election Day
For those NOT voting early, Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th. Vote at your regularly assigned polling place, 6:00am – 9:00pm.
Vote Absentee
If you apply for an absentee ballot via mail, email, fax, or online, the application must be RECEIVED at the Board of Elections by October 24th. You can also apply in-person at the Board of Elections in Yaphank until November 7th.
You must mail in (i.e. postmark) your absentee ballot by November 8th - OR- You (or someone else) may hand-deliver your absentee ballot to the Board of Elections (at their Yaphank headquarters or at ANY Suffolk polling place during early voting or before the polls close at 9:00 pm on November 8th).
Note: You are PROHIBITED from voting in-person (i.e. on a tabulator) if you were issued an absentee ballot (regardless of whether or not you actually used the absentee ballot). In other words, “no double-dipping” with ballots! You must decide beforehand whether to vote absentee OR in-person, NOT both.
All forms should be delivered to the following address:
Suffolk County Board of Elections
P.O. Box 700
700 Yaphank Avenue
Yaphank, NY 11980-0700
Email: BOEinfo@suffolkcountyny.gov
Fax: 631-852-4590
Main telephone (if operational): 631-852-4500
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POLL WORKERS NEEDED
Did you know that polling inspectors are needed for upcoming elections? These are part-time, per diem positions that provide extra income and offer an opportunity for civic service within your community. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many longtime poll workers have left their positions and not returned, resulting in a countywide shortage. Thanks to a recently approved pay raise, inspectors can now earn a minimum of $17.50 per hour (plus bonuses, if applicable). On Election Day, a shift is 16.5 hours (5:00 am - 9:30 pm).
To apply, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a registered voter. English language fluency is necessary (multi-lingual ability is appreciated). For those who qualify, paid training (a three-hour seminar) is provided for certification as a polling inspector.
Suffolk County Board of Elections is always recruiting - if interested, call 631-854-4527 (Republicans) or 631-854-4536 (Democrats). Open weekdays 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. You can also fill out and mail an official postage-paid postcard addressed to the Board of Elections (available in the information cabinet behind the Adult Services desk).
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Submitted by:
Hal Mintz
Reference Librarian, Adult Services Department
Polling Inspector (D-Huntington), Suffolk County Board of Elections