Highmount, New York Public Records

The New York State Archives (https://www.archives.nysed.gov/) also maintains historical records and documents related to the area and the surrounding region, offering researchers and genealogists extensive material dating back generations.

New York residents can register to vote online through the state's DMV voter registration portal at dmv.ny.gov/more-info/electronic-voter-registration-application, by mail using the New York State Voter Registration Form available from the Ulster County Board of Elections, or in person at the elections office or DMV. Voter registration deadlines in New York require registration at least 25 days before an election; the state does not offer same-day registration. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, 18 years old by election day, and residents of Ulster County for at least 30 days preceding the election. Since the hamlet is an unincorporated community without its own municipal government, there are no Highmount-specific mayoral or village elections; governance occurs through the Town of Shandaken Town Board, with Supervisor and Council seats elected in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.) in November general elections. Local voters participate in federal, state, and county elections on the standard calendar. Voters can locate their assigned polling place using the New York State Board of Elections polling place lookup tool at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or by contacting the Ulster County office. Polling locations are typically at the Shandaken Town Hall or nearby community facilities. New York election records that are public include voter registration rolls (available for inspection by political committees and candidates with restrictions), campaign financial disclosure reports filed with the State Board of Elections at www.elections.ny.gov, candidate petition filings, and certified election results by election district published after each election. In the November 2024 general election, Ulster County reported approximately 65% voter turnout among registered voters, with participation in the presidential race. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, residents will decide several significant races: the Governor of New York (Kathy Hochul's term expires in 2026), all New York State Assembly seats including the 103rd Assembly District covering Shandaken, New York State Senate District 46, Ulster County Executive, Ulster County Legislature seats, Ulster County Sheriff, Ulster County Clerk, and Town of Shandaken Supervisor and Council positions if any are up for election in even-numbered cycles. New York's U.S. Senate seats are not up in 2026 (next Senate race is 2028 for Gillibrand). Absentee ballots in New York may be requested for specific reasons including absence from the county on election day, temporary or permanent illness or disability, or responsibilities related to primary care of individuals who are ill or disabled; no-excuse absentee voting was not made permanent following temporary pandemic provisions. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Ulster County Board of Elections by mail or in person, with deadlines typically 7-10 days before election day depending on delivery method. New York offers early voting at designated sites beginning nine days before election day and continuing through the Sunday before Election Day, with hours including evenings and weekends; Ulster County maintains multiple early voting locations including sites in Kingston and other municipalities, though voters should verify Shandaken-area locations through the Board of Elections website as assignments may change.