West NY News

Voters in Chautauqua County, New York, have until 5 PM on February 14, 2025, to change their party enrollment ahead of the June Primary. The Board of Elections requires these changes to be physically received by this deadline.

Commissioner Luz Torres explained the constraints imposed by Election Law: “As the Board of Elections prepares for petitioning and the Primary, Election Law states that we cannot allow individuals from changing their party affiliation between February 15 and seven days following the Primary (July 1st this year).”

Enrollment changes submitted to the Board of Elections office must arrive by 5 PM on February 14. Changes sent through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) need to be made by Tuesday, February 13, so that they can be transmitted in time.

“It is important to reiterate that voters wishing to change their party affiliation must do so by the February 14th deadline or the change will not be made until after the June Primary. In order to be eligible to vote in a Primary Election you must be affiliated in the political party you wish to vote in,” stated Commissioner Nacole Ellis.

The Board of Elections office operates daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM but will extend hours until 5 PM on February 14 for last-minute submissions. Voters can submit a new Voter Registration Form either in person or via proxy at their office located at 7 N Erie St., Mayville, NY.

Forms are accessible online at www.votechautauqua.com and available at local municipal offices, libraries, post offices, or directly from the Board of Elections. Online registration options include using either the New York State Online Voter Registration portal or DMV's MotorVoter portal.