Electronic poll books to streamline voting

Lansing voters who skipped the 2019 election will see some new technology when they sign in to cast their ballots this year — Tompkins County has switched from the large paper poll books to electronic voting records on a tablet computer, according to County Democratic Commissioner Stephen Dewitt.

The change was driven by early voting at multiple sites and an interest in streamlining the check-in process, Dewitt said.

“Electronic poll books are really a big help to early voting because they communicate with our management system to tell us who has voted,” he said. “Once someone has voted, they cannot do it again because all the poll books will show that they’ve already voted.”

The new technology helps voters get in and out of their polling place faster.

“Now, there’s not an 8 1/2-by-17 poll book to look through and turn around again and again,” Dewitt said. “It also gives us the ability to print ballots on demand — the voter checks in and gets the right ballot for them no matter where they are in the county.”

Dewitt urged voters to take advantage of the 60 hours of early voting at two sites in this time of Corona (see below for days and times).

“They could quite possibly vote when it’s not busy and not crowded,” he said. “We’re also implementing social distancing and keeping surfaces clean. Voters and poll workers will all be required to wear masks.”

Who is on the ballot in Lansing?

Aside from the presidential election, Lansing voters will be asked to make six other selections on Election Day.

Democrat Elizabeth Garry faces Republican Brian Burns in the race for a 14-year term as State Supreme Court Justice for the Eighth Judicial District.

Republican Tom Reed is running against Democrat Tracy Mitrano and Libertarian Andrew Kolstee to represent the 23rd Congressional District.

Democrat Shauna O’Toole and Republican Pam Helming are seeking the state Senate seat for the 54th District.

Republican Matthew McIntyre faces Democrat Anna Kelles for the 125th State Assembly District.

Democrats John Rowley and Matthew Van Houten are unopposed for the offices of county court judge and district attorney respectively.

Voters may write in additional candidates at the bottom of their ballot.

Where do I vote in Lansing?

Voters unsure of their polling place can call the Tompkins County Board of Elections at (607) 274-5522 or go online (tompkinscountyny.gov/boe/For_Voters/Where_to_Vote/Index_Where_to_Vote) to use an interactive map or search the state voter registration database to identify their district.

On Election Day, voters in Districts 1 and 3 vote at the Lansing Town Hall at 29 Auburn Rd.; in Districts 2 and 8 at the North Lansing Fire Hall on Auburn Road; in District 4 at the Lansingville Fire Hall at 1235 Ridge Rd.; in Districts 5 and 7 at the Ithaca Reform Temple at 2550 N. Triphammer Rd.; and in District 6 at the Lansing Village Hall at 2405 N. Triphammer Rd.

Early voting in Lansing

The ongoing pandemic has many considering voting early to avoid Election Day lines and crowds. Lansing has one of two early voting sites in Tompkins County: the Crash Fire Rescue Building at 72 Brown Rd. near the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.

Early voting begins Oct. 24 and runs for nine days through Nov. 1. Hours for Saturday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 25 are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 26, hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 27, hours are 12 to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 28, hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 29, hours are 12 to 8 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 30, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 31, hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 1, hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In Brief:

Browsing by Appointment at Lansing Library

The Lansing Community Library will begin “browsing by appointment” Oct. 20, an addition to its current curbside service.
Patrons can make an appointment by visiting lansinglibrary.org/make-an-appointment.

Each appointment is 30 minutes long. All patrons must wear a mask and adhere to established in-person guidelines. Those with a medical exemption to not wear a mask must use the curbside pick-up service.

Appointments are mostly for browsing books. Many services will not be available during appointments, including computer use, seating and toys. The library has separate hours just for senior citizens. Call 607-533-4939 to schedule a senior appointment.