New York State Governor David A. Paterson today reminded New York State residents of their rights on Election Day to ensure that every New Yorker’s vote counts in this historic election. Statewide, nearly one million new voters have been registered since 2004, bringing the total number of registered voters in New York State to 11.9 million.

Governor Paterson also sent a letter to the New York State Board of Elections and County Boards of Elections to reinforce that there has been a surge in voter enrollment and to underscore that in all 62 counties, voters who are in line at the time of poll closing must be permitted to vote. Additionally, voter identification requirements must be uniformly applied and well publicized, and affidavit ballots must be widely available. Any cast affidavit ballots must be processed and canvassed in a timely fashion.

“This is an exciting time in our State’s history,” said Governor Paterson. “A surge in voter registration across our State is a testament to the strength of our democracy. On Tuesday, record numbers of New Yorkers will cast their votes in national and local elections. In order to ensure that each of your votes is counted, I want to remind New Yorkers of your rights on Election Day.

“In an effort to minimize confusion on Election Day, I urge all New Yorkers to take the time in the coming days to identify your correct polling site and Election District,” continued Paterson. “Do not get discouraged by long lines at polling sites. All eligible voters who line up at polling sites before 9pm will be afforded the opportunity to vote.”

Voter Bill of Rights
1. You have the right to cast a ballot if you are a valid registered voter. You have the right to cast an affidavit ballot if your name is not listed on the voting rolls.
2. Newly registered voters, who do not bring proper identification, have a right to vote using affidavit ballots.
3. You have the right to cast a ballot if you are present and in line at the polling place prior to 9PM. Lines are usually shortest between the hours of 9am – 3pm.
4. You have the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation.
5. You have the right to receive assistance in casting your ballot, if you are unable to vote without assistance.
6. You have the right to election materials in another language, if there are sufficient residents in your precinct to warrant production.
7. Before entering the voting booth, you have the right to ask questions about election procedures and observe the election process.
8. You have the right to observe the election process. However, you do not have the right to disrupt the process.
9. You have the right to report any illegal or fraudulent activity to the Board of Elections.
10. Vote.

“I have also requested that the State and County Boards of Elections ensure that all polling sites have sufficient staff to handle the anticipated high turnout. Also, they must have a sufficient number of affidavit ballots to accommodate this historic volume of voters and that all affidavit ballots be processed and reviewed in a timely manner,” added Governor Paterson.

All poll workers should be reminded that identification is not required. The ONLY exception is with respect to these newly registered voters who have not had their identification validated prior to Election Day. Examples of proper identification are: driver’s license or other valid government issued photo identification, bank statement, utility bill, or government document with name and address on it. Even with the availability of affidavit ballots, newly registered voters should remember to bring proper identification to the polling site.

The General Election will be held Tuesday, November 4. Candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States, and all Congressional, State Senate and State Assembly seats will be on the ballot this year. A statewide ballot proposal will also appear on the ballot, as well as candidates for State Supreme Court Justice in most judicial districts. The voting hours in New York State are set by statute and provide for 15 hours of voting, from 6am – 9pm, the most of any state in the nation.

Internet users may ‘Look Up’ the status of their voter registration, learn the location of their poll site and their Election District, or download a registration form by clicking on “Voting Information” on the State Board of Elections’ web site: www.elections.state.ny.us or by accessing the State Board’s voter education website: www.VOTE-NY.com.

(Eli Gefen – YWN Queens Ops’ Desk)