library programs
Tuesdays, October 6, 20, 27 | 6:30PM – Re-Examining the Right To Vote
This year marks the centennial of the ratification of the 19th amendment, granting women the right to vote. This three-part series, featuring scholarly readings and virtual discussions, focuses on the deeply rooted activism by Black women, reformers, suffragists, and politicians in the passage of the 19th amendment. Registration required.
Tuesday, October 13 | 7PM – 2020 and the Lessons of Presidential History
The 2020 presidential election is unique in many ways: Yet, an examination of some themes in the history of presidential elections will cast a fresh light on what is currently happening and what may happen in this year’s contest. Learn with us, as Dr. Bruce Miroff, professor of political science, shares the lessons of history that help shape the presidency today. Registration required.
Tuesday, November 10 | 7PM – Hamilton Trivia
Join us for 20 questions of virtual trivia for HamilFans and Founding Father history buffs! We’ll be quizzing you on your knowledge of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical, behind the scenes facts, and American independence history. There will be prizes! Registration Required.
We have partnered with the League of Women Voters to provide our community with a handy 2020 Voters Guide. Look for them in your curbside pick up bags!
WHO can vote?
U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years of age, who have registered to vote.
If you’ve never registered to vote before, register by October 9, 2020:
Fill out, print, and mail in your Voter Registration Form.
If you have previously registered to vote, check that your status and information is up to date:
WHAT is being voted on?
The President and Vice President of the United States of America.
There may be other items on your local ballot!
Enter your home address at Vote411.org to see your personalized ballot.
Where do I vote?
In-Person:
Early Voting: Saturday, October 24 - Sunday, November 1, 2020
The closest county polling location for Guilderland residents is the Guilderland Fire Department, located at 2303 Western Ave:
Sat & Sun: 9:00am-2:00pm
Mon & Wed: 12pm-8:00pm
Tue, Thu & Fri: 9:00am-5:00pm
Click here to see other Albany County Early Voting locations.
Click here to see other Schenectady County Early Voting locations.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3 2020
Voting occurs at your local polling place.
For many Guilderland Residents, that is the Guilderland Public Library at 2228 Western Avenue.
Regardless of location, polls are open on election day 6AM – 9PM.
Confirm your polling place in Albany County by entering your home address here.
By Absentee Ballot
Absentee Ballots
Concerns over possible exposure to COVID-19 are considered a “temporary illness” and valid reason to request an absentee ballot in New York State.
(Click for source)
Request your ballot by October 27. It must be Returned/Postmarked by November 2, 2020.
Try to request your ballot before October 19, 2020 to allow for mail delivery delays. The Post Office has advised that this year they cannot guarantee timely delivery of your ballot if the request was made less than 15 days before the election. (Click for source)
- Request a ballot by visiting the Online Portal, here.
- Your local board of elections– Call, email, or fax them!
How do I vote?
Be prepared with the races and candidates that will appear on your ballot by viewing your personalized ballot here.
In-Person:
How to Vote In-Person
Go to the polling location based on your voting district.
New York does not have Voter ID laws. You do not need to show an ID to vote unless you have newly-registered to vote and did not provide an ID at that time. Your signature will be checked against the one on file for your voter registration.
You can decide to instead vote in-person if you have already submitted an absentee ballot. The absentee ballot will be discarded and your in-person ballot will be the one counted.
By Absentee Ballot
How to Vote by Absentee Ballot
Concerns over possible exposure to COVID-19 are considered a “temporary illness” and valid reason to request an absentee ballot in New York State.
(Click for source)
Completing your ballot:
- Once you have completed marking your ballot fold it up and place it in the Security Envelope. (This envelope will have a place for your signature.)
- Sign and date the outside of the Security Envelope.
- Seal the Security Envelope.
- Place the Security Envelope in the Return Envelope. (This envelope will have the return address of your county Board of Elections on the outside and should have a logo that reads, “Official Election Mail”)
- Seal the Return Envelope.
Return by mail:
- Put it in the mail ensuring it receives a postmark no later than November 3.
Request your ballot well before October 19, 2020 to allow for mail delivery delays. The Post Office has advised that this year they cannot guarantee timely delivery of your ballot if the request was made less than 15 days before the election.
(Click for source)
Return in-person:
- Bringing it to the County Board of Elections Office no later than November 3 by 9pm.
Albany County Board of Elections
260 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12202 - Bringing it to an early voting poll site between October 24 and November 1.
- Bringing it to a poll site on November 3rd by 9pm.
Track the status/arrival/acceptance of your absentee ballot here.
Why should I vote?
Your vote DOES matter! Many elections are decided by a small percentage of votes – even Presidential elections. An election is your opportunity, as a citizen, to express the issues that matter to you and have your voice heard. Many decisions that affect you and your community are decided at the local level. How that community votes in any election brings focus to those issues.
links
Important Dates
- October 9, 2020 – Deadline to register to vote
- October 27, 2020 – Deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail
- November 2, 2020 – Via mail, deadline to return absentee ballot
- October 24 – November 1, 2020 – Early voting
- November 3, 2020 – Election Day
Local Board of Elections
- Your Local Board of Elections – Call, email, or fax them
- Find your Albany County district and polling place
Voter Registration and Status
- Voter Registration Form – Fill out, print, and mail it!
- Check Your Voter Registration Status in New York State
- Check Your Voter Registration Status at Vote411.org
Ballots
- View your local ballot at Vote411.org
Absentee Ballots
Concerns over possible exposure to COVID-19 are considered a “temporary illness” and valid reason to request an absentee ballot in New York State.
(Click for source)
Try to request your ballot well before October 19, 2020 to allow for mail delivery delays. The Post Office has advised that this year they cannot guarantee timely delivery of your ballot if the request was made less than 15 days before the election.
(Click for source)
- Request an absentee ballot from New York State
- Track the status of your absentee ballot in New York State
Early Voting
- Early Voting Albany – Find Albany County Locations
- Early Voting Schenectady – Find Schenectady County Location