Current voting/polling information can be found at the Ulster County Board of Elections website found here.

ABOUT VOTING

Am I eligible to vote?

In order to vote you must be:

• A citizen of the United States
• 18 years of age or older
• A resident of Saugerties Central School District for at least 30 days, immediately before the election
• Not otherwise ineligible to vote under Election Law Section 5-106.

During the June 4 special meeting, the Board of Education decided to hold the revised budget vote at a single polling location: the Junior High School, located at 310 Washington Ave., Saugerties. Polls will be open in the gymnasium, located in the back of the building. Signs will be posted to direct voters.  

Reasons for this change include:

1. Student Safety and Security: Students will be in session on June 18 when the revised budget vote will be held. Ensuring the safety and security of our students is always our top priority. Consolidating to a single polling location on a campus that serves older students will help us to better secure the premises and manage safety risks associated with having guests in our buildings. Voting at three of the elementary schools was also formerly conducted in student occupied spaces, which would need to be available for student use on June 18. 

2. Parking and Traffic: The elementary school campuses are congested during drop off and pick up times. Holding the vote at the Junior High School ensures that there will be adequate parking available for voters and that school buses can safely operate during arrival and departure times. 

3. Cost Savings: By consolidating to one polling site, the District will save approximately $4,200 on costs related to the Ulster County Board of Elections and poll workers' pay.

We understand that this change may not be optimal for every individual in our district, but given the safety and security challenges presented, it was an important decision. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we strive to ensure the best voting environment possible and encourage anyone who may have challenges voting in person to request an early mail ballot.  Applications for Early Mail Ballots can be requested by mail through June 11 or in person by June 17. Thank you for your continued support of our schools and community.
 

New Voter Law Introduces Early Mail Ballots for New York State Residents; Absentee Ballots Also Available

A new voter law has been enacted in New York allowing voting by Early Mail Ballots for all elections, including the Saugerties Central School District’s annual Budget Vote and Board Elections. 

Under the provisions of this new legislation, eligible voters may now apply for, obtain, and cast an Early Mail Ballot in advance of the annual budget vote and board election, which is on June 18, 2024. The legislation aims to provide greater flexibility and convenience, enabling residents to participate more easily in the voting process. 

Absentee Ballots are also available and can be obtained by following the same steps outlined below, except the application requires a qualifying reason to be identified.  

The Application
To obtain an Early Mail Ballot, an eligible voter must first fill out an “Application for an Early Mail Ballot.” Applications can be picked up in person at the Central Administration Office (located at 310 Washington Avenue Extension in Saugerties) during regular school hours or requested by mailing a letter to the District Clerk, Business Office, Call Box A, Saugerties, New York 12477. Please note, the “Application for Absentee Ballot” requires an applicant to enter a qualifying reason where indicated. 

The Ballot
Completed applications must be returned to the District Clerk in person or sent by mail addressed to District Clerk, Business Office, Ball Box A, Saugerties, New York 12477. Upon receipt of a completed application, a ballot will be issued. If the voter is requesting to have a ballot sent to them by mail, applications must reach the District Clerk by June 11. If the voter is collecting their ballot in person, applications must be received by June 17.  

To be cast, a completed ballot must be received by the District Clerk by the strict deadline of 5 PM on Tuesday, June 18. The law underscores the significance of every vote and seeks to ensure that all voices are heard in the upcoming annual vote and board election.

For further information regarding the budget vote and board election, residents are encouraged to visit www.saugerties.k12.ny.us/budget.