As reported in these pages in January the New York State Legislature passed historic voting reforms in the opening week of the 2019 legislative session. Among the changes enacted early voting and the consolidation of New York’s primary elections are of current interest. Prior to this year New York held its primary for federal office – House of Representatives, Senate and President - in June while the primary for state and local offices was in September. After lagging behind most of the nation New Yorkers will finally have the ability to vote early this year. The law provides for ten days of early voting in specially designated polls. This means voting will begin in the last week of October.
Unlike Election Day proper however, not every polling location will be open for early voting. The Orange County Board of Elections (BOE) has designated just seven locations around the county: City of Newburgh, City of Middletown, City of Port Jervis, Warwick, Montgomery, Monroe and here in Cornwall at the Cornwall Ambulance Building, 1 Clinton Street.
Hours have been announced as follows:
Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 27 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Monday, October 28, from Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 29, from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 30, from Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 31, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, November 1, from Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 2 from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 3 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
For many voters in Cornwall and the neighboring communities that should be a good thing. For voters that lack mobility this could be problematic. One way Cornwall Democrats can help is by volunteering as drivers during those nine days in October and November.
Another way to help is as an election official. Under New York election law political parties are allowed to seat Poll Watchers at election sites to monitor the fairness of the process. With early voting taking place in Cornwall this November the need for Poll Workers is more acute than ever. Help your community with the crucial work of monitoring our elections! –and you can earn some extra income too! Much more on this will follow next edition.