Rye, New York Public Records

The Rye New York Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city of Rye. The department's website at https://www.ryeny.gov/government/police-department provides information on public safety initiatives, crime statistics, and the process for obtaining a criminal history background check. Residents and interested parties can also access the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services' website at https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ojis/recordreview.htm to request an official criminal history report.

Rye voters are served by the Westchester County Board of Elections, located at 25 Quarropas Street, White Plains, NY 10601 (phone: 914-995-5700, website: elections.westchestergov.com). The office handles voter registration, maintains voter rolls, provides information on polling places and candidates, processes absentee ballot applications, and certifies election results for all county, state, and federal contests. Office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours before elections. Rye residents can register to vote online through the New York State Board of Elections website (voterreg.dmv.ny.gov/MotorVoter) or by submitting a paper registration form available at the DMV, libraries, and the Board of Elections. The deadline to register for an election is 25 days before Election Day. New York does not have party registration requirements for general elections, but voters must be registered with a party to vote in that party's primary; the deadline to change party enrollment is 25 days before the general election in the year before the primary (approximately one year in advance).

Rye operates as a city with its own municipal government, holding nonpartisan elections for Mayor, City Council (six members), and City Judge. Municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years (most recently November 2023, next in November 2025) on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The Mayor serves a two-year term, while Council members serve four-year staggered terms. Candidate petitions for city offices are filed with the Rye City Clerk at 1051 Boston Post Road. Local ballot measures occasionally appear, including budget votes and city charter amendments. Information on city candidates and local issues is available through the City Clerk's office and at www.ryeny.gov.

Rye residents vote at polling places determined by their residence address. Polling place assignments can be found on the Westchester County Board of Elections website or by calling 914-995-5700. Most Rye voters cast ballots at locations including Rye City Hall, Rye High School, Osborn School, and Milton School. Polls are open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Election Day. Early voting is available at designated sites in Westchester County for nine days before Election Day, including weekends.

New York State makes several categories of election records publicly available. Voter registration lists can be purchased from the Board of Elections for lawful purposes (election-related, political, journalistic). Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are searchable through the New York State Board of Elections (publicreporting.elections.ny.gov) and show contributions, expenditures, and donor information. Candidate filing petitions and statements are public records available at the Board of Elections. Detailed precinct-level election results are published on the Westchester County Board of Elections website and through the state Board of Elections.

In the November 2024 presidential election, Westchester County reported approximately 65% voter turnout with over 500,000 ballots cast out of approximately 640,000 registered voters. Rye typically shows higher turnout than the county average, often exceeding 70% in presidential elections.

The November 3, 2026 general election will feature critical races for New York voters. Statewide, all 213 seats in the New York State Legislature (150 Assembly seats and 63 Senate seats) will be on the ballot, with terms beginning January 2027. Governor Kathy Hochul's term extends through 2026, so the gubernatorial race will be decided in November 2026. New York's U.S. Senate seats are held by Chuck Schumer (term ending 2029) and Kirsten Gillibrand (term ending 2025, up for re-election in November 2024, not 2026). All 26 of New York's U.S. House seats will be contested in 2026; Rye is located in New York's 16th Congressional District. At the county level, various Westchester County offices may be on the 2026 ballot depending on term schedules, potentially including County Legislator positions. Rye will not hold municipal elections in 2026 as city elections occur in odd-numbered years. Candidate information becomes available 6-8 months before elections as petitions are filed.

New York offers absentee voting for voters who will be absent from the county on Election Day, unable to vote due to illness or disability, or unable to appear due to duties related to primary care of individuals who are ill or disabled. Absentee ballot applications are available on the Westchester County Board of Elections website or by calling 914-995-5700. Applications must be received by the Board of Elections at least seven days before the election (or the day before for in-person requests). Voted absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days after the election to be counted. New York also offers early in-person voting, allowing any registered voter to cast a ballot at designated early voting sites during the nine-day early voting period without providing a reason.