Protecting Your Vote in New York--My Name Isn't on the Polling List

I got a call yesterday from Arlene, a friend whose son can't find his name on the New York State electronic registration website. The site provides a way to look up your name and find the right polling place. Everyone should check the site to make sure you know where to vote and to anticipate any problems with voting.

What happens if your name isn't on the list? You still have the right to vote and must go to the polls in order to preserve it.

First, there is a backlog in processing voter registration forms that were received timely by October 10th by mail or October 11th if in person. Men and women honorably discharged from the military or who have been naturalized as American citizens had the right to register to vote in person until October 24th.

According to sources, although the main registration lists will be printed this week, supplemental lists are also being prepared, which should be at the polling places, in the books, but not necessarily integrated into the main alphabetical listing. In other words, these late names will be placed in the roll books behind the main alphabetical listing.

Go to the polls! That is the most important thing. You must show up at the assigned place, the place where you are supposed to vote, and have them look in the main alphabetical listing and the supplemental. If your name does not appear, you still have the right to cast an affidavit ballot. N.Y. Elec. Law. sec. 8-302(3)(e)(ii).

You will be asked to explain how you registered, when, and where in the affidavit ballot. Be sure to fill it out and cast it. Otherwise, your vote is lost.