Erie County Safe Voting 2020
There are 3 ways to vote—Absentee, Early Voting and on Election Day. The deadline to register to vote is October 9! Here is some information to use as you determine the best and safest way to vote.

Countdown to the General Election
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2020 Elections
NYS Democratic and Libertarian Primary occurred on Tuesday, June 23, 2020
New York’s Congressional District Special Election occurred on Tuesday, June 23, 2020
United States General Election will occur on Tuesday, November 3, 2020
To see what candidates will appear on your ballot, you can enter your address in one of these online tools:
Click HERE to view all offices being elected in Erie County
Click HERE to view the Presidential Primary candidate list
Click HERE to see what your ballot will look like.

Primary Elections
The Primary Election is a nominating election. Voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate for the upcoming general, especially presidential, election.
New York State Primaries are closed, meaning one must be affiliated with a political party to vote. If you have affiliated with a party and have met the state’s requirements to vote, you are eligible to vote in the Primary Election.
Note: The Presidential Primary Amendment (2016) allows a person who will be 18 years old at the time of a General Election for President to vote in the preceding primary election. Therefore, a 17 year old may vote in the primary as long as they pre-register and turn 18 by the General Election.
General Elections
The General Election is a regular election of candidate for office, both statewide and national. This election makes the final choice among the various candidates who have been nominated by their political parties in the Primary Election, or who are running as Indepedents, or write-in candidates.
This election elects US senators and representatives to Congress every 2 years, as well as state and local officials every year. Every 4 years, the General Election elects the President.
If you meet the criteria to vote and register by the deadlines, you can vote in the General Election.
Find out more about the candidates and their proposals
There are many resources on the internet to find out more about candidates and proposals. When searching, make sure you have a reliable source that is not biased. Here are a few to start with:
Vote 411
Head Count
Politico
Become a Poll Inspector
A poll inspector is someone who works at the polling site on election day. Their duties include registering voters, handing out ballots, monitoring the voting equipment, explaining how to mark the ballot, using the voting equipment, and/or counting votes. You are eligible to be a poll worker if you are a registered voter and a resident of Erie County.
If you are interesting in serving as a Poll Inspector for the Erie County Board of Elections, click HERE for the online application. You can also call 716-858-8891 for more information.
Resources & Partners
Erie County Board of Elections
134 West Eagle Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
Hours: Monday – Friday 9 AM – 5 PM
General Inquiries: 716-858-8891
Absentee Department: 716-858-7818