Groton, New York Public Records

The deadline falls 25 days before any election, and applicants must provide their date of birth along with either a driver's license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Eligibility requires U.S. Citizenship, age 18 or older by election day, and residency in Groton or Tompkins County for at least 30 days prior to the election. The Village of Groton conducts municipal elections for mayor and village trustees, typically in March of odd-numbered years (next scheduled for 2025 and 2027). The Village Clerk at 147 Main Street administers these contests. The Town of Groton elects a Town Supervisor, Town Council members, and other town officers in November of odd-numbered years. Residents living outside the village limits participate in town elections but not village races. Voters can locate their assigned polling place through the county Board of Elections website or by calling 607-274-5522. Local polling sites typically include the Groton Fire Hall and town facilities. Publicly accessible election records in New York include aggregate voter registration data (individual voter records remain confidential), campaign finance disclosures filed with the state Board of Elections, candidate petition documents, and precinct-by-precinct results. These materials are available through the New York State Board of Elections at www.elections.ny.gov and the Tompkins County Board of Elections. During the November 2024 presidential election, Tompkins County saw approximately 64-66% voter turnout, with around 45,000-48,000 ballots cast from a pool of roughly 72,000 registered voters. The county consistently ranks among New York's most politically engaged, particularly in presidential cycles. The November 3, 2026 general election will bring several consequential races to Groton and Tompkins County voters. New York will hold gubernatorial elections that year, placing both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor seats before the electorate. All 63 State Senate seats and all 150 State Assembly seats will be contested, including the districts representing Groton (currently Senate District 52 and Assembly District 125, though redistricting could alter these boundaries). At the Tompkins County level, various Tompkins County positions will appear on the ballot according to term schedules, potentially including County Clerk, County Sheriff, and County Legislature seats. No U.S. Senate seat from New York is scheduled for election in 2026 (Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's term expires in 2024, and Senator Chuck Schumer's in 2028, barring special circumstances). New York's U.S. House delegation will also face voters, with Groton currently part of the 23rd Congressional District. Those wishing to vote absentee in New York must file an application with the Tompkins County Board of Elections. Applications are accessible at www.tompkinscountyny.gov/boe or by calling 607-274-5522. Voters can request absentee ballots for numerous reasons including being out of the county on election day, illness, disability, or other qualifying conditions. Recent reforms have broadened absentee voting eligibility across the state. The application deadline typically falls seven days before the election for mail delivery, or the day before for in-person pickup. Completed ballots must carry a postmark no later than election day and arrive within seven days, or be hand-delivered by 9 PM on election day.