“The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

June 5 - Federal Judge Sharpe has approved a pilot program for New York State to begin using the new optical scan voting machines this fall. Most counties will be participating to some degree. Here in Tompkins County, we agreed to use the new system in all of the City of Ithaca poll sites. All other sites will continue to use the old lever machines, with a ballot marking device available for voters with disabilities.

We will begin a voter education program and conduct demonstrations prior to the elections to familiarize people with the new system. Our election workers will also receive extensive training. Check back here for more details as we finalize our voter ed plans.

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Did You Know...

Independent Nominating Petitions

What is an Independent Nominating Petition?

An Independent Nominating Petition is a petition for a party that is not recognized by the state.  For example, the Village of Cayuga Heights has a party called the Anchor Party that candidates run under. 

Who Can Sign the Petitions? 

Any registered voter of any political affiliation within the correct district can sign an Independent Nominating Petition as long as they have not signed another petition for the same position. 

A person who signs must be registered at the time of signing.  You may register voters as you pass petitions, however, they CANNOT sign the petition until the registration form is on file with the Board of Elections.  You will have to go back to that house at a later date to get their signature.

Who Can Pass the Petitions?

If you can sign a petition, then you can pass it.  The same rules apply.  However, you cannot sign a petition you are passing.  You MUST sign a petition that is being witnessed by someone else.  You cannot pass an independent petition if you signed a designating petition.

How Do You Know Who Can Sign?

A list of registered voters can be obtained from the Board of Elections at any time.  You can also purchase a disk and create your own lists.  It is safest only to obtain signatures from names on that list. 

Blank Petitions and other Forms (State Board web site)

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Ballots

Click on above link for an interesting article in Microsoft Encarta's Online Encyclopedia about the history of ballots.