There is no big clock counting down the days until our next presidential election—unless perhaps you are Kamala Harris or Donald Trump—but the date is less than five weeks away. For some of Rhinebeck’s class of 2025, November 5th will be their very first chance to cast their ballots. If you are one of those 18-year-olds, are you ready?

Why vote?

Voting in our general elections in the foundational element of the democracy that makes the United States the country that it is. Voting is the chance to make your voice heard, not only on the national level but also on the state, county, and town level. These local elections can have just as much effect on your actual life as presidential elections, so take the time to research your candidates and decide which one represents you best. Participating in our democracy is a tenet of being an American citizen and active member of society.

Are you Registered?

The real deadline you should be worrying about is October 26th, the deadline in New York for voter registration. Unlike in some states, prospective voters in New York cannot register on the day of the election; they must register in advance, by the deadline.

Online registration

The easiest way to register is to do so online. This is available through the New York elections website in a simple form, although you can print out the traditional mail-in form (also linked on the website) and send it by post to your local Board of Elections.

While the online form is easier, it does require the last four digits of your social security number and the license number of New York drivers license, driver’s permit, or non-driver ID. If you do not have these things, you can register by mail instead. When you register online, it will also ask you for your ZIP code currently associated with your DMV ID, your date of birth, and your email. 

Mail-in Registration

The mail-in form is more in depth, requiring your phone number, gender, full address and mailing address, voting history, whether or not you require an absentee ballot, and for you to choose to register with a specific political party or not. You do not need to register with any specific party if you do not wish to, and even if you did, in general elections you can vote for any candidate regardless of the party you are registered to. Once you fill this out (on paper) you will mail this to your Board of Elections, with enough time for it to arrive at their office by October 26th. The form includes all addresses for each county’s Board of Elections, and Dutchess County’s address is 112 Delafield Street, Suite 200, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601.

Where to Vote

On the day of the election, you can vote at the Starr library or any of the other dozens of polling places in Dutchess county. To see the full list by town, visit the Dutchess County Polling places website. If you will be out of town, you can apply for an absentee/early-mail ballot on the New York elections website linked below (deadline also October 26th) or you can vote early. The list of in-person early voting polling places and hours is also linked below, and in Rhinebeck you can vote early at the Pavilion at Brookmeade. Early voting begins on October 26th. 

So What’s the Big Deal?

No matter how you register, make sure you get out and vote. The opinions of young people in our country are just as important as those of adults, and the best way to ensure those voices are heard is through voting. Voting down the ballot, for local, regional, and state representatives is also integral to shaping your community into one that reflects your values. This November, wear your “I Voted” sticker with pride.

Helpful Links

New York Elections Website: https://elections.ny.gov/voter-registration-process

Dutchess County Polling Places: https://elections.dutchessny.gov/voter-information/dutchess-county-polling-places/

Dutchess County Early Voting Places: https://elections.dutchessny.gov/early-voting/

Sources:

New York Elections Website: https://elections.ny.gov/voter-registration-process

Dutchess County Polling Places: https://elections.dutchessny.gov/voter-information/dutchess-county-polling-places/

Dutchess County Early Voting Places: https://elections.dutchessny.gov/early-voting/

Vote.gov: https://vote.gov/register/new-york

DMV Electronic Voter Registration Form: https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/electronic-voter-registration-application

USA.gov How to Vote: https://www.usa.gov/how-to-vote

Election Countdown Clock: https://www.270towin.com/2024-countdown-clock/ 

Photo Credits: https://www.amazon.com/Yuyaa-Voted-Stickers-Permanent-Adhesive-Red/dp/B07ZSXRGBX?th=1