Make a plan to vote

Research tells us that people who think through a plan to vote are significantly more likely to show up at the polls.
Your plan does not need to be elaborate. Just decide today whether you’re going to vote absentee, vote early or vote on Election Day. Then, figure out where you vote, how you will get there and what time you plan to arrive. Do not let Nov. 3 come and go without a plan — not when you’ve been thinking about the 2020 election for so long.

Step 1: Make sure you are registered. The registration deadline is Oct. 9. Check your registration here: voterlookup.elections.ny.gov. If you are properly registered, the site will tell you where to vote.

Step 2: Decide how to vote. Not long ago, you had only one way to vote. Now, you have three: vote absentee, vote early or vote on Election Day in person.

Vote Absentee

Last month’s column went through this process in detail. In New York state, you must apply for a ballot. You may postmark that application up to Oct. 27, but you really should apply today. To use COVID as your excuse, check “temporary illness.” The information you need is on our Board of Elections website, tompkinscountyny.gov/boe. You may also apply in person at 128 E. Buffalo St., Ithaca.

Vote Early

Early voting is easy, safe and ensures that your vote will be counted on Election Day. No matter where you live in Tompkins County, just wear a mask and show up at either of the two early voting sites. The city will provide special parking at Ithaca Town Hall, and there is ample parking at Crash Fire and Rescue.

See the dates and times for early voting in the chart below.

Vote on Election Day

The traditional breakfasts may be lost to COVID, but voting on Election Day is still possible. Wear a mask. Maintain social distancing. Follow the poll workers’ directions. If you don’t remember where to vote, check here: voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.

Step 3: Preview a ballot. Don’t be surprised at the ballot box. There are more positions up for election than you may realize. For example, we are all voting for a State Supreme Court Justice. If you’re in the city of Ithaca, you’re electing a City Court judge. The town of Ulysses is filling vacant town positions.

To act efficiently at the polls, first read the ballot for your town here: tompkinscountyny.gov/boe/Additional_Information/Past_Results_files/Sample_Ballots (scroll down to “General Election”).

Step 4: Finalize your plan. If you’re voting absentee, will you mail your ballot or deliver it by hand to the Board of Elections, to an early voting site or to an Election Day polling place? Can you deliver the sealed ballot of an elderly neighbor as well? Should you walk or take a bus to your early voting polling place?

Will you vote after work or on the weekend? Do you need transportation on Election Day? (Call 607-288-3588 to arrange a ride.) What time fits best into your Tuesday schedule?

Make a plan. Put the key dates and times on your personal calendar. Remember the men and women who fought and died for your right to vote. Then, vote like your life depends on it.

Kathy Zahler is the former Director of Communications for the Tompkins County Democratic Committee. See the committee website at www.tcdemocrats.org.