Every year, on a Tuesday in November, millions of Americans across the country exercise their civic duty and vote. This year’s election in Saratoga Springs is slated to be particularly contentious, with many vital policies on the ballot, including the recent shutdown of the CDTA Route 452 bus line, which offers direct service to Skidmore campus. This decision by the current Saratoga Springs government impacts hundreds of students, faculty, and senior citizens who rely on the bus as their form of transportation. Regardless of a person’s stance on these issues, voting is an American hallmark of making one’s voice heard. Though 2025 is not a presidential election year, it is still crucial to vote at the local level.
Whether you plan on voting via mail-in ballot or in person, here is everything you need to know to be voter-ready for Tuesday, November 4.
Who’s on the Ballot in Saratoga Springs?
Saratoga Springs, New York, is one of the counties located in US Supreme Court District 4, among the surrounding cities of Schenectady, Albany, Montgomery, and Troy.
Running for District Court are candidates Chris Obstarczyk (R) and Kris Singh (R). Court judges are typically in charge of cases in criminal courts at the local trial level.
At the local level, candidates are running for a number of positions within the Saratoga Springs government. These include District Attorney, Mayor, and Sheriff.
The District Attorney is the primary legal representative of the district. Our candidates are Robert Logan (D) and Brett Eby (R).
County Supervisors are an executive board that is responsible for overseeing financial allocation and implementing laws. The candidates are Sarah Burger (D), Minita Sanghvi (D), and George Ehringer (R).
The County Sheriff is the supervising police official and is in charge of ensuring that laws on local and federal levels are enforced. The candidates are Jeffrey Brown (R) and Ryan Mahan (D).
The Mayor is the primary leader of the municipal government; they oversee city council meetings and are in charge of recruitment for government positions. The candidates are Michele Madigan (D) and incumbent John Safford (R).
The Accounts Commissioner is in charge of voting laws. The candidates are Dilon Moran (D) and Jessica Troisi (R).
The Commissioner of Finance is in charge of organizing the monetary features of a government. The candidates are Shafer Gaston (D) and JoAnne Kiernan (R).
Finally, Commissioners of Public Works are responsible for the everyday upkeep and repair of the town’s infrastructure. The candidates are BK Keramati (D) and Charles Marshall (R).
There is only one measure on the ballot, which is an amendment: “Allows skiing and related trail facilities on state forest preserve land. The site is 1,039 acres. It requires the State to add 2,500 acres of new forest land in Adirondack Park.”
Where to Vote
Conveniently for Skidmore students, one of the polling sites offered to citizens of Saratoga Springs is just on the second floor of the Case Center. Other polling places include Embury Apartments Cafe, located at 133 Lawrence St; City Center, at 522 Broadway; and the Saratoga Springs Senior Center, 5 Williams St. To find your polling location based on your address, click here.
When to Vote
Early voting began on October 20 and ends October 31. The deadline to drop off or receive mail-in ballots is November 4 at 7PM.
How to Get Involved
Professor Minita Sanghvi, a candidate for county supervisor and a member of Skidmore’s faculty, has several ideas for how students can get involved. She states that it's incredibly important to understand the issues at hand. Moreover, “If every Skidmore student who is registered to vote votes, the Democrats would win the election. However, not every student who is registered to vote votes in local elections. Only Presidential.”
For more information, visit the following sites: