Voter registration deadline nears for general election

Voter registration deadline nears for general election

The State Board of Elections reminds all state residents to register to vote for the November 6 general election, if they have not already done so.

Candidates for local office will be on the ballot this year, as well as candidates for State Supreme Court in most judicial districts. Voters will be asked to approve a proposal on the statewide ballot to amend the New York State Constitution in relation to the use of forest preserve lands for water wells in Raquette Lake.

Mail-in voter registration forms must be postmarked by midnight, October 12, and be received by the local board of elections no later than October 17 to be valid for the upcoming election. Residents may register in-person at their county board of elections until the close of business on October 12. Residents who have been honorably discharged from the military or have become naturalized citizens since October 12, may register in person at their board of elections up until October 26. Residents who have moved to a new county must re-register from the new address. Those who are currently registered and have moved to a new address in the same county should notify the county board of elections in writing of their move. The New York State Voter Registration Form can be used by new voters or movers for these purposes.

Voter registration forms are available at county boards of elections as well as many post offices, libraries and state agency offices. Internet users may download a registration form by clicking on "Voting" on the state board's website or may call 1-800-FOR-VOTE before Monday, October 8 to request a mail registration form. Requests received by October 8 will be processed and the forms will be mailed. Requests received after October 8 will be processed, but callers may not receive their form in time to register for this election.

For information on registering to vote in New York State, call the county board of elections, call 1-800-FOR-VOTE or go to www.elections.state.ny.us/