Forestburgh, New York Public Records

New York voters can register online at vote.nyc or through the state DMV website at dmv.ny.gov/more-info/electronic-voter-registration-application. Registration deadlines fall 25 days before any election for new registrations and address changes. A valid New York driver's license or non-driver ID serves as acceptable identification for registration. First-time voters who register by mail may need to provide ID when casting their ballot. While party registration isn't required for general elections, voters must enroll in a party well before primary elections to participate in those contests. As a town rather than a village or city, Forestburgh holds town elections in odd-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The next town elections arrive November 4, 2025, with positions including Town Supervisor, Town Council members (typically four seats with staggered terms), Town Clerk, Highway Superintendent, and Town Justice. The 2027 cycle follows the same odd-year November pattern. Local ballot measures occasionally appear for town budgets or special propositions. Candidate filing and petitions go through the Sullivan County Board of Elections, with petition deadlines typically falling in July or August for November town elections. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the New York State Board of Elections polling place locator at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or by calling the Sullivan County Board of Elections at (845) 807-0400. Polling locations are assigned by election district. The town typically has one or two polling sites depending on voter distribution, often at Forestburgh Town Hall or nearby community buildings. New York's early voting period runs nine days prior to Election Day at designated sites throughout Sullivan County, though not necessarily in Forestburgh itself. Voters can use any county early voting location during that period. Under New York Election Law, numerous election records are public. Voter registration lists are available for purchase by campaigns and political committees, though individual voter history faces some restrictions. Campaign finance disclosures for state and local candidates are maintained by the New York State Board of Elections at www.elections.ny.gov/CFViewReports.html and can be searched by candidate or committee name. Candidate petitions and filing documents are public records available through the Sullivan County Board of Elections. Election results by district are published after certification at both county and state levels, with precinct-level data available at www.elections.ny.gov. In the November 2024 presidential election, Sullivan County reported approximately 57% voter turnout among registered voters, with roughly 38,000 total votes cast countywide out of approximately 66,000 registered voters. Forestburgh's small population contributed a few hundred votes to this total. Presidential results showed competitive margins reflecting Sullivan County's politically diverse electorate. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, voters here will decide several significant races. New York will hold gubernatorial elections in 2026, with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor seats on the ballot as Governor Kathy Hochul's current term expires. The entire New York State Assembly (150 seats) and half of the State Senate (63 seats) will be up for election, including representation for Forestburgh's legislative districts. Sullivan County falls within Senate District 42 and Assembly District 100 (subject to redistricting). At the Sullivan County level, Sullivan County elections in 2026 will include County Legislature seats and possibly county executive or other county offices depending on term schedules. New York does not have a U.S. Senate election in 2026, as both Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have terms extending beyond 2026. U.S. House of Representatives elections will occur for New York's 19th Congressional District, which includes Sullivan County and Forestburgh. Voters should check the Board of Elections website closer to 2026 for confirmed candidate lists and ballot measures. New York offers absentee voting for registered voters who meet qualification criteria including absence from county on Election Day, illness or disability, or duties related to primary care of ill individuals. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Sullivan County Board of Elections at least seven days before the election (if requesting mail delivery) or can be requested in person up to the day before Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days (for general elections) to be counted. New York expanded early voting starting in 2019, providing nine days of in-person early voting at designated sites, which has reduced reliance on absentee ballots. Military and overseas voters have special provisions under federal UOCAVA laws. Applications and information are available at www.sullivanny.us/departments/board_of_elections or by calling (845) 807-0400.