This year's election features federal, state, county and local races, including U.S. President, Vice-President & Congress, State Senate, Assembly & Supreme Court, along with various other judicial and town council positions, as well as one proposal regarding an amendment to the state constitution. Remember to fill out both sides of the 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 28 specified early voting locations from October 26th through November 3rd. The three closest polling sites 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.
Dates Times
Sa, 10/26 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Su, 10/27 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mo, 10/28 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tu, 10/29 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
We, 10/30 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Th, 10/31 12 noon - 8:00 p.m.
Fr, 11/01 12 noon - 8:00 p.m.
Sa, 11/02 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Su, 11/03 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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 5th. Vote at your regularly assigned polling place, 6:00am – 9:00pm.
Note: N.Y State election law strictly prohibits electioneering inside (or within a distance of 100 feet) of any facility serving as a polling place. This includes wearing articles of clothing or accessories (hats, shirts, jackets, scarves, bags, pins, flags, etc.), as well as carrying or distributing ANY items or materials that display campaign slogans, candidates’ names or political party affiliations. Violators will be turned away and NOT permitted to vote (at the discretion of election workers or other polling site personnel) if they refuse to comply with the law or the instructions of staff.
Vote Absentee / By Mail
You must first apply for an early mail or absentee ballot using a paper form (available at our library), a printable downloadable form or online portal. The deadline to mail in (i.e. postmark) the application or apply online is October 26th. You also can apply in-person (at Board of Elections headquarters in Yaphank) no later than November 4th.
You must then mail in (i.e. postmark) your early mail or absentee ballot by Tuesday, November 5th.
-OR-
You (or someone else) may hand-deliver your early mail or absentee ballot to the Board of Elections (at any Suffolk County early voting site, polling place or at BOE headquarters at 700 Yaphank Avenue) before the polls close at 9:00 p.m. on November 5th.
The mailing address for all forms is: Suffolk County Board of Elections, P.O. Box 700, Yaphank, NY 11980-0700.
Note: under N.Y. State election law, if you decide to request an early mail or absentee ballot, you will not be allowed to vote again on a tabulator at any polling place during early voting or on Election Day. Whether or not you actually submit the ballot is irrelevant.
POLL WORKERS NEEDED
Did you know that polling inspectors are needed for upcoming elections? These part-time, per diem positions provide extra income and offer an opportunity for civic service within your community. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many longtime poll workers left their positions and never returned, resulting in a county-wide shortage. Since then, there have been pay increases, and inspectors can earn a minimum of $300 per day/per election. On top of base wages, bonus pay is given to reliable, experienced inspectors who take charge as polling place supervisors (i.e. coordinators and chairpersons), as well as those who drop off ballots and supplies after the polls close. On Election Day, a typical shift is, at minimum, 16.5 hours (5:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.).
To apply, you must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen and a registered voter. English language proficiency is required (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 631-854-4533 (Republicans) or 631-854-4536 (Democrats). Open weekdays, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Additional voter information and forms are available at the Reference Desk in our Adult Services Department, courtesy of the League of Women Voters and Suffolk County Board of Elections. You are also invited to visit the Suffolk Cooperative Library System online via their Voting and Elections LibGuide - it includes comprehensive and helpful explanations, summaries (by topic) and links to external resources and official information.
Submitted by:
Hal Mintz
Reference Librarian, Adult Services Department
Polling Inspector (D-Huntington), Suffolk County Board of Elections