Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NYS Election Law was recently amended to allow EVERY VOTER who is eligible to vote in the November General Election to vote by absentee ballot. In other words, you may choose to vote by absentee ballot on the basis of “temporary illness or physical disability" or in-person. You do not need to be sick or infected with the COVID-19 virus. The risk of exposure to virus has been designated a sufficient basis to vote by absentee ballot.
To vote absentee, download your absentee ballot application and return promptly to the Board of Elections (BOE) at 401 State Street, Hudson, NY 12534. October 27 is the last day to postmark application or letter of application for general election ballot. November 3 is the last day to postmark general election ballot by absentee. It must be received by the county board no later than November 10.
Early voting in Columbia County will be available on nine dates at 401 State Street in Hudson. Voting during early voting is the same as voting 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.
Every precaution will be taken to make voting at poll sites safe. All surfaces will be wiped down. Poll workers will be masked and will abide by social distancing rules. When voting in person, please wear a face mask and social distance. PPE will also be available on site.
All votes cast during early voting will be included in the election night totals.