2020 General Election Options
You can register to vote in the general election through October 9, 2020. Registration forms are available at www.elections.ny.gov/VotingRegister.html. To register a change of address within the county, fill out a registration form and submit it by October 14.
Registered voters have four options for voting in the presidential election this November. Due to concern about possible mailing delays because of recent changes in the post office, the essential advice is to decide early which option is best for you, and follow through to get it done.
You may vote by absentee ballot, and you are urged to do so early. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Election Law was recently amended to allow every voter who is eligible to vote in the November 3, 2020, General Election to vote by absentee ballot.
There are two ways to apply:
Go to www.columbiacountyny.com/elections now and fill out and sign an application for an absentee ballot, and return it to the Columbia Board of Elections by mail (send to CC Board of Elections, 401 State Street, Hudson, NY 12534), email (to elections@columbiacountyny.com) or by personal delivery to the Board of Elections.
To use the NYS online portal, go to absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/and complete the online form.
Once you receive your ballot, by either method, fill it out according to directions, choose your candidates, and sign it in ink. You can return it early by mail or by personal delivery to the address noted above.
Per the Democratic Commissioner of Elections, NYS voting law now provides for examination of both the application for absentee ballots and the actual ballots to assess for any disqualifying issues. If the BOE finds a technical problem with your application or your ballot, they are required to contact you to “cure” the problem so that every ballot is sure to be counted. Note: absentee ballots will not be added to the official count or reported on Election Day. Counting will begin only after Election Day.
You may vote early at the Board of Elections, 401 State Street, Hudson, if you prefer to register your vote in person prior to general election day on November 3. This is the only early voting site for all registered Columbia County voters. Early votes will be tabulated and reported on Election Day.
When you get to the early voting site, you will check in to vote, receive your ballot, and vote as any other election. Wear a mask, and socially distance.
Columbia County Early Voting Hours
Sat Oct 24: 9a-2p
Sun Oct 25: 9a-2p
Mon Oct 26: noon-8p
Tue Oct 27: 9a-5p
Wed Oct 28: Noon-8p
Thu Oct 29: 9a-5p
Fri Oct 30: 9a-5p
Sat Oct 31: 9a-2p
Sun Nov 1: 9a-2p
3. You can vote the old-fashioned way, on Election Day from 6 AM until 9 PM at your usual polling place in Chatham. Be sure to wear a mask, and socially distance.
4. Per NYS law, voters are permitted to send in an absentee ballot and to vote either early or on Election Day. The in-person vote will count, and your absentee ballot will be discarded. This option is good for people who want to make sure their vote is counted in case something would prevent them from getting to the polls such as an increase in Covid-19 cases, inclement weather, etc.
Any questions, contact the Columbia County Board of Elections at 518-828-3115 or www.columbiacountyny.com/elections.