Guide to Voting in June 23 Primary in Tompkins County

We know this primary has been confusing with all the changes going on due to the COVID-19 crisis. As of now (May 20), you still have 2 options available to you for voting in the primary election. You can decide to vote by absentee ballot OR you can decide to come to the polls and vote in person. We are going to walk you through the details for both options below.

link to Tompkins County Board of Elections

Option 1: Absentee Ballot Voting

To be able to vote by absentee ballot, you must first complete and submit an Absentee Ballot Application.

EVERY registered voter in New York is being mailed an Absentee Ballot Application. The application packet should include a Postage Paid return envelope to allow you to easily send the application back after you have filled it out.

In order to receive a ballot, the application must be RECEIVED by the Tompkins County Board of Elections NO LATER than June 16.

If you did not receive an application in the mail and would like to get one you can go the Tompkins County Board of Elections to pick one up there OR you can download an application to print from home https://tompkinscountyny.gov/boe

Step 1: Mark why you are requesting an absentee ballot

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, you may check the "temporary illness or physical disability" option.

Step 2: Specify that the absentee ballot is for the Primary Election

Step 3: Clearly print your full legal name

Step 4: Fill in your Date of Birth, County, and Address

Optionally you can also provide your phone number and email address, but they are not required.

Step 5: Specify where you want your Primary Election Ballot sent

You can of course choose any of the options listed but having it mailed to you directly will certainly be the simplest option.

Step 6: Sign and Date the ballot request

Step 7: SEND IN YOUR APPLICATION!

It is critical you actually send in your completed application. The easiest option is to use the postage paid envelope that should have come with your application to return it. However if for some reason it was not included or you lost the envelope, you have a few options to return it.

  • Return the Application in-person to: Tompkins County Board of Elections, 128 East Buffalo Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
  • Mail the Application to: Tompkins County Board of Elections, 128 East Buffalo Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
  • Email the application to elections@tompkins-co.org
  • Fax the application to the Tompkins County Board of Elections at (607) 274-5533

Then be sure to keep an eye out for your ballot. If it never arrives, you do have the fall back of option 2 below.

Option 2: In-Person Voting

Early Voting!

Beginning on June 13, 2020 to June 21, 2020, you will be eligible to vote early before the June 23, 2020 Primary.

Voters now have nine extra days to vote prior to the Primary Election on June 23, at special Early Voting locations. Everyone who is registered to vote in New York State, a resident of Tompkins County, and enrolled in a party holding a primary, is eligible to vote at one of our two Early Voting sites. Each site is fully accessible to voters with physical disabilities. Voters do not need to have an “excuse” for voting early. Once they have cast their ballot on a machine at an Early Voting site, they will not be able to vote on Primary Election Day.

Tompkins County early polling locations are at:
Town of Ithaca Town Hall, 215 N Tioga St (in downtown Ithaca)

Crash Fire Rescue (CFR), 72 Brown Rd (by the Tompkins County airport)

The dates and times for Early Voting are as follows:
Saturday, June 13, 2020: 9am-2pm
Sunday, June 14, 2020: 9am-2pm
Monday, June 15, 2020: 7am-3pm
Tuesday, June 16, 2020: 12pm-8pm
Wednesday, June 17, 2020: 7am-3pm
Thursday, June 18, 2020: 12pm-8pm
Friday, June 19, 2020: 7am-3pm
Saturday, June 20, 2020: 9am-2pm
Sunday, June 21, 2020: 9am-2pm

Download the flyer here: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/boe

Early Voting Location: Town of Ithaca Town Hall

Early Voting Location: Crash Fire Rescue (CFR)

Voting on June 23 - Primary Day!

In person voting for the June 23rd primary will still be an option even with COVID-19 crisis. However it is possible that poll locations or times might be adjusted depending on the crisis as we get closer to the election so check the Tompkins County Board of Elections website for updates: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/boe