At the end of the Sunday presentation, the county’s Republican and Democratic election commissioners stood side by side. They weren’t at odds with one another. They shared the same objectives — to explain early voting and to encourage people to go to the polls.
It wasn’t an easy assignment. Louise Vandermark, the Democratic commissioner, told the audience that the instructions from the state have been changing every day. But the goal has been constant. The state hopes to boost voter turnout by making it easier to cast a ballot.
The most noticeable change is the introduction of early voting. There are seven early voting sites in the county. Residents of Cornwall, Highlands, Blooming Grove and Woodbury can cast early ballots at the Cornwall Ambulance Building (1 Clinton Street). New Windsor residents can vote early at the City of Newburgh Activity Center (401 Washington Street).
The hours for early voting will be:
Sat. 10/26 10-3
Sun.10/27 10-3
Mon. 10/28 12-8
Tues. 10/29 7-3
Wed, 10/30 12-8
Thur. 10/31 9-5
Fri. 11/1 12-8
Sat. 11/2 1-6
Sun. 11/3 10-3
You don’t need an excuse to go to the polls before Election Day. You do need a reason to request an absentee ballot.
There were several election inspectors in the audience at the Cornwall Public Library. Mrs. Vandermark assured them that the system wouldn’t allow people to vote twice.
The state is making other changes to speed up the process. One of them will affect the Election Day polling sites with multiple districts. When voters arrive, they won’t have to look for their district. They can go to any table and sign in on an iPad.
Another change is that the state will accept advance registrations from 16 and 17-year-olds. Once the forms are completed, the state will hold them until the teens reach voting age.
The election commissioners were due to attend training sessions on Sept. 17 and 18. Election inspectors will have classes during the first week in October.
“Don’t hesitate to call the Board of Elections,” Mrs. Vandermark told the audience. “We’re there. We want to answer your questions. We’re voter friendly.” She later added, “We want to hear compliments and complaints.”
David Green, the Republican commissioner, arrived late because of another commitment. He spoke briefly about people who only vote in Presidential elections. He encouraged them not to overlook the local races. “The people who are running are the grass roots of your government,” he said. “Go out and vote for them.”
