The election is just under two weeks away with early voting commencing this weekend on Saturday, October 24 and the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail on Tuesday, October 27. Here’s what you need to know about voting this year.

Absentee Ballots

The last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail is Tuesday, October 27 and the deadline to apply for an absentee ballot in person at the Board of Elections is Monday, November 2. The last day to return and postmark the ballot to the Board of Elections is Tuesday, November 3. 

Ballots can be returned in a pre-addressed return envelope and dropped off in person at the Board of Elections during office hours or at any of the poll sites during voting hours. The only drop boxes in Orange County will be available from October 24 to November 1 at the early voting sites. 

If you are mailing your ballot in, it should be mailed to the Orange County Board of Elections, P.O. Box 30, Goshen, NT 10924.

If you requested an absentee ballot, you are still able to go to the polls and vote in person. The absentee ballot will be set aside and not counted if the voter votes in person.

Early Voting

Orange County is participating in early voting for the 2020 general election. This means that voters have the ability to vote during a nine-day period before Election Day at seven locations throughout the County. For Newburgh residents, the closest location is the City of Newburgh Activity Center at 401 Washington Street. However, the six other Orange County locations include Cornwall Ambulance Building, Middletown Senior Center, Warwick Town Hall, Village of Montgomery Senior Center, Delaware Engine Company #2 and Monroe Town Hall.

At each of these seven locations, early voting will be conducted daily. The schedule is as follows: Saturday, October 24 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 25 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, October 26 12 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 27 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, October 28 12 to 8 p.m., Thursday, October 29 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, October 30 from 12 to 8 p.m., Saturday, October 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday November 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A voter is not designated to a specific poll site for early voting. No appointments or sign ups need to be made.

The voting process is the same as voting on Election Day, where voters will check in to vote, receive their ballot and cast their voted ballot in the Imagecast voting machine.

Election Day

If you choose to vote on Election Day, the polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Assembly member Jonathan Jacobson announced that Governor Andrew Cuomo signed one of his bills (A8257/S5188) to reduce confusion at polling sites. The new law prohibits any change to the entrance to or exit from the polling site, except to increase access or to maintain public safety provided any change is clearly marked with signage next to the former entrance or exit.

“Requiring signs for these changes helps reduce the likelihood that voters will be

confused about how to access polling sites,” said Jacobson. “Voting should be a simple and easy for every citizen, whether voting in person or by mail. This new law to reduce confusion at

polling sites is another step in that goal.”

This requirement applies not only to Election Day but also early voting.

Transportation

If you do not have a way to get to one of the polling locations on either the Election Day or during the early voting nine-day period, Orange County legislators and officials might be able to help you.

A handful of different officials and organizations are offering transportation for those in need. 

In Newburgh, Orange County Legislator Kevindaryán Luján, among others, is ensuring anyone who needs transportation to the polls gets it.

“We are going to have transportation for early voting and events at early voting sites to catch attention for those driving by,” said Luján. “In the past we’ve had pamphlets at senior citizens that included contact information if they wanted to vote.”

“I know that everyone is very excited to cast their votes for the upcoming Presidential elections,” Luján added. “However, I want to remind voters that local elections are just as important if not more so. Please make a plan to go vote early or apply for an absentee ballot. Your vote is your voice.”

The Nu Voters Movement, led by Councilman Omari Shakur, is offering transportation to early voting for those who live in the City of Newburgh, starting October 24th. Those who need a ride can contact@nu-votersmovement.org or can call or text their hotline number at 845-490-8819.

The Orange County Democratic Committee is also offering rides to the polls. They can be reached at 845-444-6010.

Additionally, Senator James Skoufis has collaborated with Lyft to give everyone 50 percent off one ride up to $10 to any polling location or dropbox when they use the code 2020VOTE.