Early Voting Begins Oct. 26 In Suffolk County

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Eager to cast your ballot for the upcoming general election? For the first time in the state of New York, voters have the opportunity to vote in person before Election Day, at one or more sites depending on where they live.

Earlier this year, lawmakers in Albany approved legislation that gives duly registered voters the chance to show up at a polling place and vote from Saturday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Nov. 3.

Voting during early voting is the same as on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov 5. You go to the early voting center, check in as you normally would, receive a ballot and vote.

Just as at any polling place on Election Day, there will be instructions so you can familiarize yourself with the ballot, and an election inspector will be available to explain how to vote.

Early votes will not be canvassed or reported until after the polls close at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.

And just in case there was any doubt, if you vote during early voting you cannot vote on Election Day.

In Suffolk County, the days and hours for early voting are as follows:

• Saturday, Oct. 26: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 27: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 28: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 29: noon to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 30: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 31: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 1: noon to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 2: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 3: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Voters in Suffolk County may vote at any of the following locations during the dates and times listed above:

• Babylon: Babylon Town Hall Annex, 281 Phelps Lane, North Babylon
• Brookhaven: Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville
• East Hampton: Windmill Village, 219 Accabonac Road, Community Room #2, East Hampton
• Huntington: Dix Hills Fire Department, 115 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills
• Islip: Islip Town Hall Annex, 401 Main St., Islip
• Riverhead: Riverhead Senior Center, 60 Shade Tree Lane, Riverhead
• Smithtown, Nesconset Elementary School, 25 Gibbs Pond Road, Nesconset
• Southampton: Stony Brook University Southampton - Gymnasium, 70 Tuckahoe Road, Southampton
• Southold, Southold Senior Center, 750 Pacific St. Mattituck
• Shelter Island, Shelter Island Youth Recreational Center - American Legion, 1 Bateman Road, Shelter Island

Please note: some polling locations and hours may change so it would be best to check with the Suffolk County Board of Elections by visiting the website or by calling 631-852-4500. And on Election Day, you will vote at your regular polling place.

Early voting does not mean you can't vote by absentee ballot. If you are out of your home county or are permanently or temporarily disabled, ill or are the primary caregiver for one or more people who are ill or physically disabled, a resident of a Veterans Hospital, detained in jail awaiting grand jury action or incarcerated for an offense other than a felony, you may apply for an absentee ballot. Check with your county Board of Elections for information go here.

For more information go to VoteEarlyNY.org.