For Suffolk County voters, this year's polling features local elections, where numerous county and town offices are up for grabs -- these include county executive and legislative positions, as well as town supervisors, clerks, council members, trustees and tax receivers. There are also a few judicial races in the mix. Here is a comprehensive listing of candidates running countywide. To determine which races and candidates will appear on your ballot, you can generate a personalized list based on your voter information and location by utilizing the Board of Elections’ voter look-up tool.
There are also two state-wide propositions on the back of the ballot. Voters should remember to fill out BOTH sides of their ballots.
Not Registered to Vote?
There is still time to register before the upcoming General Election. Fill out and submit a voter registration form NOW – regardless of delivery method, it must be RECEIVED by the Suffolk County Board of Elections no later than Saturday, October 28th (10 days before Election Day). Paper forms are available at the library (and also at various state agency offices), and a printable application can be found online (these can be mailed or hand-delivered to the BOE offices in Yaphank). You can also apply online by submitting an e-form through the New York State DMV portal or by creating/logging into your own my.ny.gov account.
Once approved, newly-registered voters must show a photo ID upon check-in at their polling place, before they can obtain and cast a ballot for the first time.
Voters can participate in elections 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 28th through Sunday, November 5th. The closest early polling places for Huntington residents are Huntington Public Library’s Station Branch, Dix Hills Fire Department and Greenlawn Fire Department. All early voting sites have the same hours.
Note: If you cast a ballot during early voting, you are NOT permitted to vote again on Election Day.
Vote on Election Day
For those NOT voting early, Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th. Vote at your regularly assigned polling place. Hours are 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Vote Absentee
If you applied for an absentee ballot via mail, email, fax, or online, the deadline for the application to be received by the Board of Elections was October 23rd (15 days before Election Day). However, you can still apply in-person at the BOE offices in Yaphank until November 6th (where you may be able to get a ballot within the same day). Paper application forms are available in the library at the Adult Services desk, or go online for a printable application.
You must mail in (i.e. postmark) your ballot by November 7th OR you (or someone else) may hand-deliver your ballot to the Board of Elections (go directly to Yaphank headquarters or to ANY Suffolk polling place during early voting or on Election Day).
Note: You are prohibited from voting in-person (i.e. on a tabulator at a polling place) once you are issued an absentee ballot (regardless of whether or not you actually used the ballot). In other words, “no double-dipping” with ballots! You must decide your voting method beforehand – absentee OR in-person.
All forms should be mailed or 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 (general information): 631-852-4500
Office hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays
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IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE FROM THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS REGARDING FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY
The Suffolk County Board of Elections recently received an incident report of individuals posing as BOE employees in an illegal attempt to obtain confidential information from a county resident regarding their identity and voter registration status. The State Board of Elections has issued a press release reporting similar occurrences in other jurisdictions. Citizens are urged to contact Suffolk County BOE and police immediately if they are victims of, or witnesses to, the activities described in this notice. The BOE warns that anyone engaged in voter intimidation or the impersonation of an election official will be subject to criminal prosecution.
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POLL WORKERS NEEDED
Did you know that polling inspectors (clerks) are needed for future 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 vacated their positions and never returned, resulting in a countywide staffing shortage. Thanks to a recent pay raise, inspectors can now earn a minimum of $17.50 per hour (plus bonuses, if applicable). On Election Day, a typical shift is 16.5 hours (5:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.).
To apply for these positions, you must be at least 18 years of age, 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 an inspector.
Suffolk County Board of Elections is always recruiting - if interested, call 631-854-4527 (Republicans) or 631-854-4536 (Democrats) during office hours. You can also fill out and mail an official, postage-paid postcard addressed to the Board of Elections (available in the file cabinet behind the Adult Services desk).
If you prefer, an online option for submitting employment inquiries is offered courtesy of the New York State Board of Elections .
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Submitted by:
Hal Mintz
Reference Librarian, Adult Services Department
Polling Inspector (D-Huntington), Suffolk County Board of Elections