Chester, New York Public Records

The registration deadline falls 25 days before any election, applying to new registrants and those changing address or party affiliation. As a closed primary state, New York requires voters to register with a party to participate in that party's primary. Town elections in Chester occur in odd-numbered years, with the next Town Board and Supervisor elections scheduled for November 2025. Candidates typically appear on the ballot for two-year or four-year terms depending on the position, and Town Justice positions are also elected periodically. Local voters elect the town council, supervisor, clerk, highway superintendent, and other officers. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the New York State Board of Elections polling place locator at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ or by contacting the county Board of Elections. Orange County implemented early voting in 2019, with sites and schedules posted on the Board of Elections website before each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Orange County reported approximately 64% voter turnout among over 230,000 registered voters. Turnout in the town typically mirrors these county averages, with strong participation in presidential years. The November 3, 2026 general election will be crucial for local voters. New York's gubernatorial election will take place, as Governor Kathy Hochul's current term expires January 1, 2027. All 150 seats in the State Assembly and roughly half of the 63 State Senate seats will be on the ballot, including districts covering the area. County offices up for election in 2026 include County Executive, County Clerk, District Attorney (four-year terms), and potentially some County Legislature seats depending on district cycle. No U.S. Senate seat from New York is scheduled for 2026, as Schumer and Gillibrand's terms expire in 2028 and 2024 respectively. Voters will also decide on New York State Supreme Court justices (14-year terms) for the Ninth Judicial District and may face ballot propositions on county or state issues. Campaign finance records for state and county candidates are searchable through the New York State Board of Elections campaign finance database at https://publicreporting.elections.ny.gov/. Candidate filings, committee registrations, and contribution and expenditure reports are all public record. Election results by election district and municipality are published on the county Board of Elections website following certification. Voter registration lists are available for inspection and may be purchased by campaigns and political committees under New York Election Law Section 5-212. Absentee ballots can be requested online at https://absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/ or by submitting an application to the Orange County Board of Elections. Applications must be received by the Board at least seven days before the election, or postmarked by that date if mailed. Voters may request absentee ballots for specific reasons including absence from the county, illness, disability, or primary care responsibilities. Early voting is available for nine days before Election Day at designated sites throughout Orange County, providing an alternative for those who cannot vote on Election Day. Residents should verify their registration status and polling location before each election through the state voter lookup system.