Early voting has begun! Get-out-the-vote resources from the Center for Student Engagement

Early voting has begun in Ulster County, and the Center for Student Engagement wants to make sure registered students have everything they need to access the ballot this year.


Make a Plan 

Use this link to confirm your current registration status and polling location.

Next, decide how you want to vote: In person, or absentee.

In-Person Early Voting: Early voting in New York State is open Saturday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 1.

In Ulster County, five early voting locations will be open, and registered voters can vote at any of the sites during their hours of operation.

Use this link for the addresses and operating hours for Ulster County early voting locations and this link for other counties in New York.

In-Person on Nov. 3: If you registered to vote locally and wish to vote in person, then you will need to make sure you verify your polling site.

Check your polling location using this link.

Students who live on campus who are registered to vote in New Paltz will vote in the Student Union Multipurpose Room. Students living off campus locally will likely have a polling site in the village or town.

All polling locations are open from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2020.

Absentee: If you choose to vote by absentee ballot this year, be sure to note deadlines to request a ballot. We encourage you to complete this process online as soon as possible to avoid mail delays.

Please be aware that, despite the deadlines, the U.S. Postal Service has advised that they cannot guarantee timely delivery of ballots applied for less than 15 days before an election. For that reason, we strongly encourage you to have a backup plan to vote in-person in case you encounter delays receiving your absentee ballot.

If you need a stamp to mail your ballot, stop by Student Union Room 211 and pick one up for free.

Don’t forget to celebrate! However you vote, stop by the Student Union HQ desk for your “I Voted” sticker beginning Saturday, Oct. 24!


Important dates for the 2020 Election

  • Oct. 24 – Nov. 1: Early voting
    Please note that, while you can vote early at any of the early voting location in your county, those who choose to vote in person on Election Day (Nov. 3) must vote at their designated polling site.
  • Oct. 27: Last day to mail/postmark/submit online an absentee ballot application for the general election.

Nov. 3: Election Day. Also last day to deliver completed absentee ballot in person to the county Board of Elections or your polling site, by the close of the polls at 9 p.m.


Be Prepared Before Voting

Research Your Ballot: What’s going to be on your ballot when you get it in the mail or step into the voting booth?

View a Sample of Your Ballot: Visit your Board of Elections website to view a sample of the actual ballot you will fill out. Don’t forget to flip the ballot to check for any additional, and very important, proposals on the back.

Research Candidates and Issues: Use BallotReady to review nonpartisan information about candidates and issues on your ballot.

Be prepared for lines at the polling site: Because of social distancing and a potential high voter turnout, be prepared to wait in line. Give yourself extra time, bring water and a snack, and dress for the weather. Vote early on Election Day (before noon) to avoid the longest lines.

Don’t forget your mask and social distancing.

Now that you have a plan, head over to ALL IN to Vote and take the pledge!


Early Voting in New Paltz

What is early voting? This is a nine day period where you can vote in-person before Election Day in Ulster County. Early voting is the same as voting on Election Day. When you get to your polling location, you will check in to vote, receive your ballot, and vote as you would in any other election.

Who can vote early? All registered voters.

Where can I vote early? The closest early voting location is at the
New Paltz Community Center, 3 Veterans Dr., New Paltz, NY 12561

Please note: if you vote on Election Day, Nov. 3r you must visit your designated polling site
Students living outside of New Paltz can find early voting locations through Vote Early NY

When can I vote early?
Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 12 – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 29, 12 – 8 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

How can I get there?  Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) New Paltz Loop will be available 7 days per week during this time. The bus makes several stops on campus, and is free with your student ID.

Use this link for New Paltz Loop schedules.


NYPIRG Voter Helpline

NYPIRG’s Student Voter Helpline will run from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Student voters can call our Helpline at (212) 822-0282 and trained professionals will help answer questions about where their poll site is, voter eligibility, what to expect at the polls, or what to do if their right to vote is challenged.


Additional Resources

New York State Board of Elections

Ulster County Board of Elections

New Paltz Campus Guidelines for Political Campaigning, Distribution of Campaign Materials and Activity

Students with questions about voting can email Erica Wagner, assistant director of community and civic engagement, at wagnere@newpaltz.edu.