Hastings, New York Public Records

Residents can register to vote online through the New York State Board of Elections website at voterreg.dmv.ny.gov. The state allows online voter registration for applicants who have a current New York State driver license, permit, or non-driver ID. The deadline to register for any election is 25 days before the election date. Those who prefer can register by mail using a paper application available from the county Board of Elections or at the Town Clerk's office. New York does not offer same-day voter registration, so voters must complete the process by the deadline. Acceptable identification includes driver's licenses, utility bills, bank statements, or government documents showing name and address. The Town of Hastings holds town elections for Supervisor, Town Council members, Town Clerk, Highway Superintendent, and Town Justice positions. These elections occur in odd-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The next town elections will be held November 4, 2025. The community typically has 2-4 polling locations depending on voter distribution. Residents can find their specific polling place by using the New York State Board of Elections polling place locator at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or by contacting the Oswego County Board directly. New York public records law makes certain election information publicly accessible. Voter registration lists are available to political committees and candidates, though individual voter records are protected from commercial use. Campaign finance disclosures for candidates and political committees are maintained by the New York State Board of Elections and searchable at publicreporting.elections.ny.gov. Precinct-level election results become public records after certification by the county Board of Elections, typically available within two weeks of each election. Candidate petition filings, committee formation documents, and official ballot information are maintained at both county and state levels. In the November 2024 presidential election, Oswego County reported voter turnout of approximately 62-65% of registered voters, with roughly 50,000 ballots cast countywide. Hastings typically reflects county-wide participation patterns. For the November 3, 2026 general election, local voters will decide several significant races. New York will hold elections for Governor (four-year term), all 63 State Senate seats, all 150 State Assembly seats, and various county positions including Oswego County Legislature seats representing districts in the area. The U.S. Senate seat held by Kirsten Gillibrand will also be on the ballot in 2026, as will all U.S. House seats including New York's 24th Congressional District which includes Oswego County. Voters may also see ballot propositions on county or state referenda. New York allows absentee voting for registered voters who meet specific criteria: absence from county on Election Day, temporary or permanent illness or disability, duties as a poll worker in a different election district, or incarceration for a non-felony conviction. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the county Board of Elections website or by mail. Applications must be received by the county Board of Elections at least seven days before the election for mail delivery of ballots, or the day before the election for in-person pickup. The state expanded early voting starting in 2019, with early voting sites typically open for nine days before Election Day including weekends. Oswego County designates 3-5 early voting locations countywide, with the specific site serving Hastings voters announced before each election.