To the editor:

Are you registered to vote in Essex County? Not sure? The state Board of Elections has an online tool to help you find out if you are registered. Go online to VoterLookUp.elections.ny.gov, where you can look up your status. At this link, you will also be able to see your polling place.

Want to register to vote? Stop by the BOE at the county complex in Elizabethtown, and we will get you signed up. Want to register online? Visit elections.ny.gov/voter-registration-process. The last date to register to vote is Oct. 26 by 5 p.m.

Who is on the ballot? Know who is on the ballot before you get to the poll site by viewing a sample ballot at www.co.essex.ny.us/EssexVoters.

How do I vote and where? This year we have a true plethora of ways to cast your ballot by Absentee, Early Voting and in person on Election Day. There’s no excuse not to vote.

Absentee Voting is available to anyone who will be out of the county on Election Day. You must request an absentee ballot in person by 5 p.m. on Nov. 4 or in writing by 5 p.m. on Oct. 26. The ballot must be mailed back no later than Nov. 5 (postmark). You can also drop it off in person by Nov. 5 at a poll site or at the Essex County BOE Office in Elizabethtown.

Early Vote by mail is a new way to cast your ballot this year. If you would like to vote by mail, but do not qualify for an absentee ballot, you can request an early vote by mail ballot.

Early voting begins on Oct. 26 and ends on Nov. 3. You have two locations to choose from. The Lewis Public Safety Building located at 702 Stowersville Road in Lewis or the Mirror Lake Beach House at 31 Parkside Drive, Lake Placid Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 26, 27, 29 and 31, Nov. 1, 2 and 3 and hours are noon to 8 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 30.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, and we will have poll sites available in every town. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find your town’s polling locations online at www.co.essex.ny.us/downloads/BOE-PollAddr.pdf.

Voting in person on Election Day? We kindly remind you that:

– This year we have a two sided ballot. Be sure to check both sides.

– No Electioneering within 100 feet of the poll locations. This includes wearing political items such as T-shirts and hats, carrying banners flags or posters, or having political conversations that advocate for or against a candidate or cause on the ballot.

– No cameras, photography or loud talking. Be respectful of your fellow voters.

– We love seeing your pets, but they are not allowed in the polling locations. Only Service animals please.

Any questions about this November’s Election? Please do not hesitate to call us at 518-873-3474 or visit us online at EssexCountyNY.gov/board-of-elections/.

Thank you for voting!

Mary McGowan and Jack Moulton

Essex County Board of Elections commissioners