Libraries are here to help you share your voice
Your vote is your voice. Participating in local and national elections is the primary way for the public to steer decision-making. National politics get the majority of coverage, but local elections have an equal- if not greater- impact on your community.
Voter turnout is low. People don’t make it out to vote for a variety of reasons. Some are too busy. Others are unsure of how to register. Sometimes people may feel that thier vote doesn’t matter, and other times people simply forget! Even with the 2020 presidential election seeing the highest voter turnout ever, only about 67% of eligible adults voted. Midterm elections and referendums (directly voting to accept or reject a policy) see even lower turnout, sometimes falling into the single digits.
Your vote matters more than you think. Even if you feel like your vote won’t change the outcome, voting records are visible proof of what people care about. Politicians who agree with you will be empowered to continue working towards change, while politicians who disagree with you will b pressured to compromise to stay popular.
Register to vote
| Quick Details for Registration | |
|---|---|
| Who can register in New York? | U.S. citizens, 18+ years of age, residing in their village, city, county, or state for at least 30 days. |
| When should I register? | Deadlines depend on the type of election.
For the November 5th General Election (and Presidential Election), your registration must be received by 10/26/24 |
| How can I complete my registration? | If you are mailing in your registration, send your completed voter registration form to the Board of Elections office in White Plains:
Westchester County Board of Elections If you are registering in person, the County Board of Elections Website lists available locations* for the following dates:
*Visit the location listed for the town where you reside |
Can I vote if I have a criminal history?
The New York State Board of Elections maintains an online guide on Voting After Incarceration. There are two ways to register after incarceration:
- A transition officer may have helped you register at the time of your release. You can check your voter registration status to see if you are already registered.
- If you are not registered, you will have to follow the steps in the Register to Vote section above. You can mail in your completed registration form or attend an in person registration event on 9/28 or 10/10
Learn about local elections
| The Process | The Candidates | The Issues |
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Learn about national elections
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Get involved… and get paid!
Working at a polling site on Election Day is an easy way to make some quick cash while learning more about the elections process!
The Board of Elections pays Election Inspectors $350 for working on Election Day, plus an extra $25 of pay for attending a mandatory training class and exam.
Election Inspectors must be…
- At least 18 years old
- Registered to vote in Westchester County
- Available on election day (11/5) from 5 AM to 9:30 PM
More details, including election inspector manuals, can be found on the County’s Election Inspectors page.