Letter to the Editor: Keep Options Open, Apply To Vote Absentee

To the Editor:

Absentee Voting: Why Apply?

In his September 1, 2020 article, "New Yorkers Can Now Apply Online for Absentee Ballot," Michael Woyton gave voters valuable information about the new option to apply for an absentee ballot online, but less about why voters should do so.

Why? You need your options.

Voters ask: What is the safest way to vote in the pandemic? Will the post office deliver my ballot in time to be counted? Will I know if my mailed in absentee ballot was counted? What if I don't get my absentee ballot in time?

Opinions on the answers to these questions seem to change with each piece of advice you hear. The best response is to leave your options open until you know what is best for your situation when early voting begins on October 24, 2020.

To keep your options open, apply now for an absentee ballot. You will not receive an application or a ballot without applying. Apply now and your ballot should arrive by October 2, 2020.

You can apply in 4 ways:

• download the application from the Westchester Board of Elections website; or
• fill out and submit the application online via the Westchester Board of Elections or the NY State Board (www.elections.ny.gov); or
• pick up an application at the Board of Elections in White Plains, 25 Quarropas St, White Plains; or
• call the Board of Elections at 914-995-5285 and ask that an application be mailed to you or filled out over the phone.

If you have applied for or received an absentee ballot, you have all voting options open to make the best decision for your situation.You can still vote early or on election day. Even if you have sent in your absentee ballot, only one ballot will be counted for you. The Westchester Board of Elections does not let more than one vote per voter be counted.

If you are concerned about the post office not delivering your mailed in ballot, you can turn in your absentee ballot in four other ways:

• Bring your completed ballot to an early voting site;
• Bring it to the Board of Elections office in White Plains, 25 Quarropas St., White Plains, NY 10601;
• Bring it to your polling place on election day;
• Give your signed and sealed envelope to a friend who can turn it in at one of the places mentioned above.

If you are concerned that your absentee ballot might be disqualified for some technical reason after it arrives as the Board of Elections, a new law requires you to be notified by phone, email or regular mail. You will have 7 days to verify your ballot for counting. Do not hesitate to give contact information for this purpose!

Plan your vote. Keep your options open. Apply for an absentee ballot now.

Catherine Ray

Ossining

SEE: New Yorkers Can Now Apply Online For Absentee Ballot

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