General Information
Q. What time are the polling sites open on Election Day, November 5th?
Polling sites are open 6am-9pm on General Election Day.
Q. Why do you use “You’re” instead of “Your” in your slogan: “You’re Right to Vote”?
The meaning of “right” in this sentence is intended to be ambiguous, a play upon words. Right can mean correct or proper, as in “You are correct to vote,” or it can mean a guaranteed civil prerogative as in “Your right to vote.”
Our hope is that both meanings will be implied by the one sentence. The sentence as written is a commending or urging of people to vote but as a pun it also underscores that voting is a civil privilege and duty, guaranteed under our laws. We wish to affirm both meanings.
Q. Do I have to register every year?
No. Once you register, you are permanently registered. Name, address or party enrollment changes can be made by submitting a new registration application. If you move, you must notify the Board of Elections within 25 days by re-registering.
Q. If I register to vote, will I be called for jury duty?
Jurors are drawn from lists of state taxpayers and licensed drivers as well as from voter registration rolls. Do not give up your right to vote in the hope that you will avoid jury duty. Chances are, if you pay taxes or drive a car, you will still be called.
Q. What do I need to bring when I go to vote?
You do not need identification or a card from the Board of Elections in order to vote, however, we recommend that you bring your driver’s license in case inspectors need to verify identification when a voters signature is not on file for any reason or to verify a change in your name.
Q. What if I speak little or no English?
Election districts having a 5% or greater Hispanic population are furnished with materials and information in both English and Spanish. At present, there are 63 polling sites that required a Spanish interpreter. The Commissioners continue to recruit interpreters from within the community as well as utilizing students from area colleges.
Q. What if I am not permitted to vote?
If you are not on the poll-list, it may be because your registration form was not received or, for a primary, because you aren’t enrolled in a party. If you believe that you are eligible, you can still vote. Ask for an affidavit ballot, which is basically a paper ballot. After the election, the Board of Elections will check its records and your vote will be counted if you are indeed eligible to vote. If not, you will receive notice that you are not eligible, along with a registration application for future elections.
Q. What is readily available for Foil requests?
Subject matter list for Foils click here: BOE Subject Matter for FOIL
Becoming An Election Inspector
Serve your community. Election Inspectors are the people that make Election Day really happen.
Our country has asked everyone to chip in and take an active role in protecting our freedoms. The right to vote is one of the oldest and most important entitlements. With those rights come responsibilities. Free and open elections are the basis on which this country was formed and you can make a difference by becoming an Election Inspector to help protect those freedoms.
Q. What is an Election Inspector?
They are voters who are appointed by their political party to serve a 1-year term. They work on Election Day.
Q. What are an Election Inspector’s Responsibilities?
They are responsible for making sure that the voters are processed in a fair and efficient manner and according to Election Law.
Q. Are Election Inspectors Volunteers?
No, the county pays them.
Q. Can anyone be an Election Inspector? What are the qualifications?
Any registered voter who is enrolled in the Democratic or Republican Party can be an Election Inspector. They are also required to speak, read and write the English Language.
Q. Does it require a lot of training to be an Election Inspector?
They are required to be trained and tested every year. A flexible training schedule is held throughout the County. Classes last approximately 3 hours long. If Election Inspectors work on General Election Day they are paid for attending training.
Q. What Days and Hours do Election Inspectors work?
All Election Inspectors work on General Election Day in November from 5:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Some Inspectors are asked to work for a Primary or a Special Election 5:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Inspectors may also sign up to be selected to work Early Voting days.
Q. Election Day is a long day, what if I can't work the whole day?
Sometimes substitute Inspectors are needed to fill in for part of the day. Each municipality has different rules regarding this. You may call for more information.
Q. Will I be working with experienced Election Inspectors?
Yes, there are four (4) inspectors working at each voting site. 3,200 Election Inspectors serve at almost 800 districts in Monroe County. About 75% return faithfully year after year. So the majority are trained and experienced.
Q. Do Election Inspectors get time off during the day?
Yes, Election Inspectors should take time off during the day to eat a meal and to vote. They may leave their site with at least one of each party remaining.
Q. Will I be working at my own voting location?
If there is an opening, yes, otherwise you will be placed as close to your own district as possible.
Q. What if I am on SSI, unemployment or concerned about tax consequences?
Each person’s circumstances are unique and therefore they must check with their own advisors. However, Election Day workers in most cases are exempt from tax deductions (i.e., social security, medicare, etc.).
Q. How do I sign up?
