Syracuse University: Government and Community Relations

Voter Resources

Are You Registered to Vote?

Frequently Asked Questions about voting while at Syracuse University

How do I register to vote?
Voter Registration forms are available at the Office of Government and Community Relations, 2-212 Center for Science and Technology, and in locations on campus such as Schine Student Center, Goldstein Student Center, Bird Library, Hendricks Chapel and the Office of Orientation and Off-Campus Programs. You may also download a PDF version of the Voter Registration Form from the New York State Board of Elections' website, and mail it to:
How do I change my name and address?
You must complete the Voter Registration Form with your new contact information, and mail it to your county board of elections, or if you've moved to a new county, you will have to re-register to vote. Alternatively, you can download a PDF version of the Voter Registration Form from the New York State Board of Elections' website, or obtain a form on campus at the Office of Government and Community Relations, Schine Student Center, Goldstein Student Center, Bird Library, Hendricks Chapel or the Office of Orientation and Off-Campus Programs. The completed forms may be mailed to the address above, or dropped off to the Office of Government and Community Relations.
What if I would rather vote at home, but cannot be there in person?
Those who would prefer to vote in their hometown election will have to request an absentee ballot. Registered voters who will be outside of their home county and those who are physically unable to appear at the polls on Election Day are eligible to receive absentee ballots. You may request an Absentee Ballot by contacting your county Board of Elections. Generally, the contact information for each county is available online, and you may even be able to download an absentee application at that time. There are instructions on the application regarding the deadline and mailing address for the completed forms.
Where do I go to vote in Onondaga County?
You have several resources for determining your polling place. You will receive a postcard in the mail indicating your polling place prior to Election Day. If you have not received this within approximately 2 weeks of the election, contact the Onondaga County Board of Elections at 315-435-8683. You may also visit their website and utilize their polling place finder. Both the Schine Student Center and Goldstein Student Center will have large maps showing City of Syracuse polling places posted in kiosks for your use.
When is the deadline to register for the General Election?
Voter Registration forms must be received by the Board of Elections no later than October 9, 2009 to be eligible to vote in the General Election. Notices of change of address from registered voters must also be received by October 9, 2009 by the county Board of Elections and must be processed and entered in the records in time for the general election.
When is the next election?
The next Primary Election is September 15, 2009. The next General Election is November 3, 2009. For more information regarding filing, registration dates or deadlines refer to the Onondaga County Board of Elections at (315) 435-8683.
What do I need when I go to vote?
The "Help America Vote Act" (HAVA), which was enacted into law in 2002, requires all first-time voters who registered by mail on or after January 1, 2003, to provide additional identification either on or with the voter registration application, i.e., driver's license number or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number. All first time voters are required to show identification in order to vote. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- non-driver ID number
- current and valid photo ID
- current utility bill
- bank statement
- government check or paycheck
- government document that shows name and address
If you have not provided any of the acceptable forms of identification by the time you vote in a Federal Election, you will not be allowed to vote by machine, but will be able to vote by affidavit ballot. You will not be denied the right to vote. If you are, please contact the Office of Government and Community Relations at 315-443-3919.

** You must not lose the Voter Registration Confirmation Card you receive in the mail; you will need this on Election Day.
What do I do when I get to the polling place?
When you enter the polling place, you'll see tables and voting machines for one or more election districts (ED). At the table for your ED, you will be asked to sign next to a copy of your original signature on an alphabetical computerized poll list and show identification (such as a driver's license or non-driver ID).
What if I'm not permitted to vote?
If your name is not on the poll list, ask the inspector to verify that you are at the proper table for your address. Make sure that it is the correct Election District (ED).

If you believe that you are eligible, you can still vote. You should ask for an affidavit ballot, which is 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 and were at the correct polling site. If not, you will receive a notice that you are not eligible, along with a registration application for future elections.
How do voting machines work?
When you enter the voting booth, you should pull the large red handle to activate the machine and should not move it again until you have completed your selections. You should make your selections by moving the lever next to the name of each candidate you wish to vote for until an 'X' appears. You may change your mind and move the levers up and down as often as necessary. However, once the choices are made, you should leave them down and pull the large red handle to register and count your vote.
I ran into some problems at my polling place. What can I do?
You may report these problems to your county Board of Elections.

Resources

New York State Board of Elections
40 Steuben Street
Albany, NY 12207-2108
Phone; (518) 474-6220
Voter Info. 1-800-367-8683
E-mail: info@elections.state.ny.us
Website: http://www.elections.state.ny.us

Federal Election Commission (FEC)
999 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20463
Phone in Washington: (202) 694-1100
Toll Free: (800) 424-9530
Website: http://www.fec.gov/

Internet Resources

To register in a state other than New York, download the Universal Voter Registration Form. This is the one document that enables you to register to vote from anywhere in the country. Click on your home state, then print the form and complete it.

Follow national and state-level campaigns.

For more useful voter registration resources, visit:

Rock the Vote, MTV
Declare Yourself