West NY News

Early voting for the General Election is a nine-day period where voters can vote in-person before Election Day in their county. All registered voters are eligible to participate.

Voting during early voting is the same as voting on Election Day. Upon arrival at the early voting polling location, voters will check in, receive their ballot, and cast their vote as they would on any other election day. Instructions will be available at the polling location to familiarize voters with the ballot, along with a notice to voter and bill of rights. Election inspectors will be on hand to explain how to vote or provide assistance if needed.

It is important to note that if you vote during the early voting period, you are not eligible to vote on Election Day or on any subsequent day of early voting. Early votes will be canvassed and reported after 9 p.m. on election night.

For those who are absent from their county on election day, have a temporary or permanent illness or physical disability, have duties related to primary care of individuals who are ill or physically disabled, are patients or inmates in a Veteran’s Administration Hospital or jail/prison awaiting trial or grand jury action, or are imprisoned for a non-felony conviction, an absentee ballot may be applied for.

New York State voters issued an absentee ballot for an election are no longer permitted to cast a ballot on a voting machine for that election to prevent double voting. However, they can still vote in person using an affidavit ballot. More information is available at www.CattCo.org/Board-Elections or by calling the Cattaraugus County Board of Election office at (716) 938-2400.

Any registered voter may apply for an early mail ballot individually. It is a felony to make false statements in an application for an early mail ballot, attempt to cast an illegal ballot, or assist someone else in casting an illegal ballot.

Further details about the 2024 General Election can be found online.

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