The Suffolk County Board of Elections has posted new rules for New Yorkers who want to take part in the presidential primary and vote by absentee ballot. The new protocols are in keeping with executive orders issued by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.
The primary takes place Tuesday, June 23.
How to vote by absentee ballot
Voting by absentee ballot is a two part process. First, you must fill out and submit an absentee ballot request form, which can be done without printing out any materials:
- Download an absentee ballot request form (English Form, Spanish Form) — this form can be filled in on your computer with no need to print it out
- Check the box next to temporary illness in section 1
- Provide all other information on the form
- Save and email the form as an attachment to boeinfo@suffolkcountyny.gov
Next, you will receive an official paper ballot in the mail within two weeks of the election. Fill it out completely, and mail it back. The ballot itself must be postmarked by a governmental postal service no later than the day before the election and received no later than the 7th day after the election.
Shelter Island Dems
Shelter Island Democratic Committee Chair Heather Reylek sent a message to party members Sunday reminding them of these options.
“These are difficult times in Suffolk County and we want everyone to be safe and well, but we also want to make sure that our fundamental right to vote is protected,” Reylek said.
What if I’m not registered to vote?
You must be registered to vote in order to receive an absentee ballot. To check if you are registered to vote, visit: Lookup your Voter Registration and Polling Place.
If you are NOT registered, you have missed the deadline to participate by absentee ballot in the presidential primary, but you are not too late to participate in other elections coming up this year, including the general election in November.
To register, you have two options: You can fill out this form (English Form, Spanish Form) and mail it to the Board of Elections at PO Box 700, Yaphank, NY 11980; OR you can visit the NYS DMV website and register there.
Questions? Visit the Suffolk County Board of Elections FAQ at suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/BOE/FAQ.
