As October winds down, Americans begin to anticipate Election Day. Every year on the second Tuesday of November, American citizens show up to vote, an act long perceived as their civic duty. This year’s election is slated to be particularly contentious, with many vital policies on the ballot, including abortion rights. The overturning of Roe V. Wade in June 2022 left access to abortion care in the hands of state governments. Furthermore, against the backdrop of a mostly conservative Supreme Court, the longevity of various civil rights acts are at risk. For example, hearings regarding the Indian Child Welfare Act approach in early November. Regardless of a person’s stance on these issues, voting is an American hallmark of making one’s voice heard. Though 2022 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 8.
Who’s on the Ballot in Saratoga Springs?
Saratoga Springs, New York is one of the counties located in US Congressional District 20, among surrounding cities of Schenectady, Albany, Montgomery, and Troy.
At the congressional level, running to represent the district is Democratic incumbent candidate Paul Tonko and Republican candidate Elizabeth Joy. For the Senate, incumbent Chuck Schumer (D) is running against Republican Joe Pinion.
As for Attorney General, Letitia James (D) is running for reelection against Republican Michael Henry. Incumbent Kathy Hochul (D) is running against Lee Zeldin (R) for Governor of New York. For, Lieutenant Governor is incumbent Antonio Delgado (D) and Alison Esposito (R). Lastly, for New York Comptroller, incumbent candidate Thomas P. DiNapoli (D) and Paul Rodriguez (R) will also be found on the ballot.
Candidates at the local level include Jim Tedisco (R) and Michelle Ostrelich (D) for State Senate District 44, and Carrie Woerner (D) and David Catalfamo (R) for .
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 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
The deadline to submit an absentee ballot application in-person is November 7, and to mail in your ballot, it must be sent by November 8th and received by the Board of Electors by November 15th. In-person voting on November 8th opens at 6am and closes at 9PM EST.
How to Get Involved
As stated by State Senate candidate Ostrelich during a recent visit to Skidmore, there are many different ways students can get involved in supporting a candidate. Engaging in discourse over social media, talking to peers about voting, writing to elected officials, volunteering on a campaign, and phone-banking are all relatively straightforward and generally accessible ways to maximize political engagement.
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