Jane Chen / Sun Graphics Designer

October 21, 2018

Everything You Need to Know About Voting in the 2018 Midterm Elections

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Correction: An earlier version of this article did not include all the candidates for the elections. A more comprehensive list has now been included.

It’s that time of year again: time to study up, fill in your answers on your multiple choice papers, and hope that you win. It’s midterms season, but not those kinds of midterms — the midterm elections! November 6 is fast approaching, but you probably still have lots of questions on the when’s and where’s and who’s and how’s. The Sun has put together some information to help you answer those questions.

HOW DOES VOTING WORK?

Voting is just like taking an actual midterm exam, but easier. Prepare by studying up on your candidates to ensure that you are making informed choices when the time comes. On the ballot, you will be guided through how to fill in the bubbles next to the candidates you want. And that’s basically it!

Want more information about the midterms, voting, or elections? Check out ballotpedia.org, vote.org, and the NYTimes Midterms Guide.

WHO WILL I BE VOTING FOR?

If you are registered in Ithaca/New York State: 

US Senator: Kirsten Gillibrand (D) or Chele Farley (R)

US House of Representatives: Tracy Mitrano J.D. ’95 (D) or Tom Reed (R)

New York State Governor: Andrew Cuomo (D), Marcus Molinaro (R), Larry Sharpe (L), Howie Hawkins (G), Joel Giambra (I) or Stephanie Miner (I)

N.Y. Attorney General: Letitia James (D), Keith Wofford (R), Christopher B. Garvey (L), Micheal Susan (G) or Nancy Sliwa (Reform Party)

N.Y. Comptroller: Thomas DiNapoli (D), Jonathan Trichter (R), Cruger Gallaudet (L) or Mark Dunlea (G)

Lieutenant Governor: Kathy Hochul (D), Julie Killian (R), Andrew Hollister (L), Jia Lee (G) or Michael Volpe (I)

N.Y. Senate: Amanda Kirchgessner (D) or Thomas O’Mara (R)

Senate portraitsHouse portraits

Three of the candidates running in the election have visited the Ithaca area in the last month. Cuomo announced a $24 million renovation plan for Tompkins Regional Airport at an on-site ground-breaking ceremony on Thursday. Mitrano also shared her platform with Cornellians at a town hall event hosted by Cornell Democrats. Meanwhile, Reed held a small roundtable at Taverna Banfi in Statler Hotel on Oct. 9 where he offered help to conservative students at the University.

If you are registered outside Ithaca, but still in New York state:

If you are registered in other districts in New York State, your ballot will look the same as above except for New York state senate and U.S. House of representatives. You can see a sample of your ballot by typing in your address to Ballotpedia.

If you are registered outside New York state:

If you are registered outside of New York, you will likely be voting for the same positions, although it varies from state to state. For example, 36 states will elect governors this year. Visit ballotpedia.org to check your ballot based on your address.

WHERE CAN I VOTE?

Registered in Ithaca/New York State:

You should receive your polling place address on a voting reminder card in the mail a few weeks before the election. You must vote there; you will not be allowed to vote elsewhere. Depending on whether you live on or off campus, your polling location will vary. However, if you live in the vicinity of the University, you will be assigned to vote in either Alice Cook House on West Campus, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Collegetown, Belle Sherman Annex at 70 Cornell Street or Tompkins County Library in Ithaca Commons. You can use the Tompkins County Interactive Map to double-check.

Registered outside Ithaca/New York State:

You should apply for an absentee ballot — there’s still time left! To do so, search online for your state application, or go to vote.org/absentee-ballot. You will have to print the application, fill it out, mail it to your board of elections. Once the Board of Elections processes your application, they will mail you your ballot to be filled out and mailed back to them before election day.

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WHEN SHOULD I VOTE?

Registered in Ithaca/New York State: 

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, the polls will be open from 6 a.m. till 9 p.m., so if you can’t wake up in time to vote before class, you have several hours after class to do so!

Registered outside Ithaca/New York State

Be mindful of your absentee ballot application deadline! If your Board of Elections does not receive your application by the specified date, you will not be able to vote. These dates vary by state, and many are this week ! Check your state at vote.org/absentee-ballot-deadlines.