TL;DR | Do you have a voting plan? Click here to check your voter registration, view your sample ballot, and track your mail-in ballot if you are voting by mail. Click here to find your polling location and here to find early voting locations if you are voting early. WHY BOTHER? If we really want a democracy of the people by the people rooted in the inherent dignity of all those who make up this country, regardless of race, gender, or class, we have to first accept that for all the progress generations have made in fighting for a country that includes their voices, in the United States, in the City of Buffalo, and in Erie County, democracy has never been fair and does not include a large portion of the population. Then each of us has to decide if we are committed to fighting for a democracy that reflects the interests of a diverse electorate or will we allow the concentration of power in the hands of a few elites, whether they are political leaders, wealthy technocrats, or corporate entities. Voting is only one tool that we can use to help shape public policy and determine who represents us and the values we want in our representatives. BUT it works best when we all participate, participation is accessible, we make decisions based on accurate information, and when we follow up our vote with other forms of civic participation. Democratic participation is more than going out to vote every four years, and it is essential that we continue to hold those in power accountable. However voting for the representatives that reflect the world in which we are fighting to build, where everyone has the resources to not only survive but thrive and everyone has the ability to participate in the decisions that impact their lives, is the first step. KEY DATES Voter Registration To check voter your registration status visit voterlookup.elections.ny.gov To qualify for voter registration in New York State, a person must: Be a United States citizen; Be a resident of the county, city, or village for at least 30 days prior to the election, Be at least 18 years old by the date of the election(you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18); Not be in prison for a felony conviction; learn more about voting rights for people convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or are awaiting trial; Not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; Not claim the right to vote elsewhere In New York State, you can register to vote online, in person or by mail. Online Registration - To register online you will need to use a NY.Gov ID. If you have previously used a NY.Gov ID with another agency, you may use the same login to access the Online Voter Registration portal. If you have not used a NY.Gov ID you will need to create an account. You can also use the Board of Elections’ Online Voter Registration portal to update your voter registration information. Updated information could include a new name, new address, or changing your party enrollment. Completed applications are sent to the appropriate County Board of Elections for approval and processing. In Person Registration - In Erie County, you can register in-person the following ways: at the Erie County Board of Elections located at 134 W Eagle St 3rd Fl Buffalo NY, 14202; at any New York State Agency-Based voter registration center; or at the Department of Motor Vehicles, either in person or on their web site if you already have DMV-issued identification By Mail Registration - In Erie County, you can request a registration form the following ways: Request a New York State Voter Registration form by mail by entering your name directly into the Voter Registration Form Request mailing list; or Call the 1-800-FOR-VOTE (1-800-367-8683) hotline to request a voter application Once the form is completed, you need to print the form and sign and date it. Then, mail or deliver the form to Erie County Board of Elections. Note that the Board of Elections cannot accept any kind of digital or Adobe-generated electronic signature. A Large Print Voter Registration Form can be also be filled out and mailed or delivered to the Erie County Board of Elections. Voter Registration forms must be received by the Board of Elections by October 24th. Election Day This year, the general election is on: November 3, 2026 You must vote at your assigned polling place on election day. You will get a card in the mail with you polling location and you can also look it here. Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. A voter who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote Early Voting Early voting begins October 24th and runs until November 1st. Early voting locations will be open Saturday, October 24th and Sunday, October 25th 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, October 26th to October 30th Noon to 9:00 PM, and Saturday, October 31st and Sunday, November 1st, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM During early voting you can vote at any of the early voting locations regardless of where you live or hand deliver a completed absentee ballot to an early voting location. Mail-in/Absentee Voting Any registered voter can request a mail ballot without any excuse or justification. These differ from absentee ballots, which are offered to voters unable to vote in person for a specific, stated reason. Voters who plan to vote by mail should request and return their ballots as soon as possible. A voter may request an absentee ballot in New York if the voter is: Absent from their county of residence on Election Day; Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability; Unable to appear because they are the primary caregiver of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled; A resident or patient of a Veterans Health Administration Hospital; OR In jail or prison for any reason other than a felony conviction. This includes anyone who is awaiting grand jury action, awaiting trial, or serving a sentence for a misdemeanor. You can request an absentee ballot online or you can call the Erie County Board of Elections at (716) 858-8891 to request one. You also can apply here for an accessible absentee ballot which allows the ballot to be read on a computer and marked with personal assistive device. If you are voting via absentee ballot you can track it here. If you are filling out a paper application ensure that you have completed your application fully and sign it before submitting it to avoid potential delays. When filling out your ballot, follow all ballot and envelope instructions, sign where required, and return it as soon as possible. Absentee Ballot Request Deadlines: Mail: Received on or before October 24th Online: Received on or before October 24th In Person: Received by the Erie County Board of Elections on or before November 2nd Absentee Ballot Return Deadlines: Mail: The last day to postmark your absentee ballot is.November 3rd. It must be received by the Erie County Board of Elections no later than November 10th In Person: The last day to deliver an absentee ballot in person to the Erie County Board of Elections or poll site, by close of polls is November 3rd MAJOR RACES For the 2026 General Election, voters in Erie County will have key congressional, state, and local races on their ballots. The outcome of state and local races, in addition to 11 City of Buffalo ballot proposals, term limit ballot proposals in Amherst and Cheektowaga, and multiple town Justice, Supervisor, and Councilmember races across the county have the potential to profoundly impact our daily lives. This guide breaks down which races will be on Erie County residents' ballots this election cycle, your voting rights, and additional resources to support you in making your decision.. Candidates listed are those that qualified for ballot access along with qualifying party lines according to Erie County Board of Elections. * Indicates incumbency | ** Indicates incumbency via appointment Congressional Election U.S. House of Representatives All 435 seats are up for grabs across the country, with Republicans currently holding a slight majority. There are two U.S. House seats on the ballots for Erie County voters this November, one for each district depending on where you live. NYS 23rd Congressional District (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Nick Langworthy* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Aaron Gies (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) NYS 26th Congressional District (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Timothy M. Kennedy* (Democratic Party) Dennis E. Hannon (Republican Party, Conservative Party) New York State Elections New York State currently has a Democratic State government trifecta, meaning that the Democratic political party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. New York State Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, Assembly Member, Senate Member, and Supreme Court Judge races will be on Erie County voters' ballots this election cycle. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul* (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Bruce Blakeman (Republican Party, Conservative Party, Vote Affordable Party) New York State Lieutenant Governor Adrienne Adams (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Todd Hood (Republican Party, Conservative Party, Vote Affordable Party) New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli* (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Joseph Hernandez (Republican Party, Conservative Party) New York State Attorney General Letitia James* (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Saritha Komatireddy (Republican Party, Conservative Party) New York State Senate Find your Senate District arcg.is/TaHHz District 60 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Patrick Gallivan* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested District 61 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Jonathan Rivera (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Uncontested District 63 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) April McCants-Baskin* (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Geoffrey Szymanski (Republican Party, Conservative Party) New York State Assembly Find your Assembly District arcg.is/mjufK1 District 139 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Stephen Hawley* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Sarah Wolcott (Democratic Party) District 140 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) William C Conrad III* (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Mohammed Faisal (Republican Party) District 141 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Leah Halton-Pope** (Democratic Party) Uncontested District 142 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Patrick Burke* (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Gary Dickson (Republican Party, Conservative Party) District 143 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Patrick Chludzinski* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Ryan Taughrin (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) District 144 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Paul Bologna* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Donna Dye Sholk (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) District 145 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Becky Wydysh (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Nate McMurray (Democratic Party) District 146 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Karen McMahon* (Democratic Party) Terence McGuire (Republican Party, Conservative Party) District 147 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) David J DiPietro* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested District 148 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Joseph Sempolinski* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested District 149 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Adam Bojak (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Frank Bogulski (Republican Party, Conservative Party) District 150 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Andrew M Molitor* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Thomas Carle (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) New York State Supreme Court Justice - 8th Judicial District (14 Year Term - Vote for 4) Craig R Bucki (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Anne E Joynt (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Michael L Amodeo (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Working Families Party) Robert N Richardson (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party) Deanne M Tripi (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Jonathan S Hickey (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Robert R Vario (Conservative Party) Erie County Elections Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Steven Meyer (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Erie County Legislator - 1st District Lawrence Dupre* (Democratic Party) Uncontested Erie County Legislator - 2nd District Taisha St. Jean Tard* (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Uncontested Erie County Legislator - 3rd District Michael Kooshoian* (Democratic Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Erie County Legislator - 4th District John Bargnesi* (Democratic Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Erie County Legislator - 5th District Jeanne Vinal* (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Christina Coyle-Lenz (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Erie County Legislator - 6th District Rathi Ravi (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Edward Rath III (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Erie County Legislator - 7th District Timothy Meyers* (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Uncontested Erie County Legislator - 8th District Frank Todaro* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Sara Marmion (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Erie County Legislator - 9th District John Gilmour* (Democratic Party, Conservative Party) David Denz (Republican Party) Erie County Legislator - 10th District Lindsay Lorigo* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Erie County Legislator - 11th District Zachary Beaudoin (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Scott Honer (Republican Party, Conservative Party) City of Buffalo Election and Ballot Proposals City of Buffalo Election and Ballot Proposals City Court Judge (10 Year Term - Vote for 1) Michael Pacifico (Democratic Party) Uncontested Ballot Proposal Number 1: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment regarding Acting Public Officials Amends City Charter clarifying that any reference to the Mayor, Comptroller, Councilmember, Council President or Council president pro tempore includes any person holding such office in an acting capacity. A “YES” Vote will add a section to the City Charter clarifying that officials in an acting capacity have all of the powers of the permanent office. A “NO” vote will leave the City Charter unchanged. Abstract: Currently the Buffalo City Charter provides for filling vacancies in certain public offices on an acting basis. This local law makes it clear that a person assuming the specific offices of Mayor, Council Member, Comptroller, Common Council President or Common Council President pro tempore on an acting basis has all of the powers and duties of the permanent position while in an acting capacity. Ballot Proposal Number 2: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to require Charter Revision Commissions Every Ten Years Amends the City of Buffalo Charter to require the establishment of a Charter Revision Commission at least once every ten years. A “YES” vote will mandate a City of Buffalo Charter Revision Commission at least every ten years. A “NO” vote will not mandate a Charter Revision Commission every ten years. Abstract: The City of Buffalo Charter has only been reviewed by a Charter Revision Commission twice since 1999. This Amendment to the City Charter would require the Common Council to establish a commission to formally review the Charter every ten years. Ballot Proposal Number 3: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment empowering Council to fill vacancy if Council President becomes Acting Mayor Amends City Charter to empower the Common Council to temporarily fill the district seat of the Common Council President if that person becomes Acting Mayor. A “YES” vote will allow the Common Council to temporarily fill the district seat of a Common Council President who becomes Acting Mayor. A “NO” vote will leave the district seat of a Common Council President who becomes Acting Mayor vacant. Abstract: When Mayor Byron Brown resigned before the end of his term in 2024 it created a vacancy that would not be filled permanently until the 2025 general election. It was not clear what happens when the Common Council President temporarily assumes the powers and duties of the Mayor if the Mayor leaves office before the end of their term. As the Common Council President is also a district councilmember and a person can’t be both Mayor and Councilmember, the South District was left without a representative for over a year. This Charter amendment would allow the Common Council to fill such a district seat on a temporary basis. Ballot Proposal Number 4: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to Limit Holdover Terms and to Review Inactive Boards Amends the City Charter to limit members of City boards from serving past the expiration of their terms and requires the Common Council to review boards that have been inactive. A “YES” vote will limit members of City boards from serving more than sixty days after their terms expire and will require the Common Council to review the status of inactive City Boards. A “NO” vote will maintain the current situation where members of many city boards serve long after the expiration or their terms and dormant City boards remain in existence for years after they are no longer active. Abstract: Currently many boards, commissions and other public bodies that are in the City Charter remain in existence on paper even though they have not met in years, and many members of City boards have never been reappointed or replaced even though their term expired. This Charter amendment would suspend these dormant boards until the Common Council reviews the need for them and would limit the holdover status of board members to sixty days. Ballot Proposal Number 5: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment regarding Mayoral Succession Amends the Charter clarifying that in the event the office of Mayor becomes vacant, the Common Council President becomes Acting Mayor. A “YES” Vote will amend section 4-5 of the City Charter to clarify that if the office of Mayor becomes vacant the Common Council President becomes Acting Mayor. A “NO” vote will leave the City Charter unchanged. Abstract: When Mayor Brown left office before the end of his term, it was not clear if the Common Council President became Acting Mayor or just assumed the powers and duties of the office. This amendment would clarify that the Council President becomes Acting Mayor and that the district seat becomes temporarily vacant and can be filled by the Common Council. Ballot Proposal Number 6: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to require public website about City boards and board training Amends City Charter to require a website providing information about City boards, including an application to fill vacancies, and requires training and orientation for new board members. A “YES” vote will mandate that the city establish such a website and training. A “NO” vote will not mandate such a website and training. ABSTRACT: Currently there is no requirement that the City maintain a publicly accessible website for information about the numerous boards, commissions, committees and other public bodies that conduct many elements of City business. While there is some information regarding some of these bodies on a City website, much of this information is not kept up to date or is just missing, Also, there is no formal way for members of the public body to know about opportunities items to serve on these bodies or for persons appointed to these boards to get orientation or training to serve on such bodies. This local law will mandate that the City maintain a website to provide this information to the public and to provide orientation and training to persons appointed to such boards. Ballot Proposal Number 7: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment for creation of temporary task forces Amends Buffalo City Charter to empower the Mayor and the Common Council to appoint temporary task forces for terms not exceeding two years. A “YES” vote will give these powers to the Mayor and Common Council. A “NO” vote will not give them this power. Abstract: The Mayor and the Common Council will be able to appoint temporary task forces to advise them on matters pertaining to the administration, safety or welfare of the City of Buffalo. Ballot Proposal Number 8: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment on Budget Adoption Procedures Amends Charter to give additional powers to the Comptroller to recommend revenue and expenditure estimates in the Mayor’s proposed annual budget and for Common Council to implement those recommendations. A “YES” vote would add these powers. A “NO” vote would leave the current powers unchanged. Abstract: Currently the City Comptroller has limited time and power to review and make recommendations on the Mayor’s tentative budget once it is submitted to the Common Council, and the Comon Council has no power to adjust revenue or expenditure estimates. This Charter amendment would require the Mayor to provide the proposed tentative budget to the Comptroller before submission to the Common Council. If the Comptroller recommends changes to the Mayor’s revenue or expenditure estimates, the Common Council will be able to adjust those numbers downward by a two-thirds vote and any expenditure estimate upward by a majority vote. Ballot Proposal Number 9: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to create an Election Reforms Task Force Amends City Charter to establish a task force to study and make recommendations on election reforms in the City of Buffalo. A “YES” vote would establish an Election Reforms Task Force. A “NO” vote would not establish an Election Reforms Task Force. Abstract: The City of Buffalo Charter Revision Commission established in 2025 discussed several proposals to change how primary and general elections for the offices of Mayor, Comptroller, Councilmembers and City Court Judges could be conducted, including the use of ranked choice voting and open primaries. This local law would establish a task force to study and examine these issues and make recommendations for submitting local law proposals on these issues at the City of Buffalo November 2028 general election. Ballot Proposal Number 10: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to Create a Civilian Police Advisory Commission Amends City Charter to create Civilian Police Advisory Commission. A “YES” vote will create a City of Buffalo Civilian Police Advisory Commission. A “NO” vote will not create a City of Buffalo Civilian Police Advisory Commission. Abstract: Effective February 1, 2027, a Civilian Police Advisory Commission made up of city residents, would be created in order to advise the various City of Buffalo departments on issues pertaining to Buffalo policing policies with the goal of increasing transparency and reporting, and improving resident-police relations. Ballot Proposal Number 11: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to create a Commission on Human Rights Amends City Charter to establish a Commission on Human Rights to ensure respect, protection, promotion, and enjoyment of human rights for all residents of the City of Buffalo. A “YES” vote would establish a Commission on Human Rights. A “NO” vote would not establish a Commission on Human Rights. Abstract: This City Charter provision would establish an empowered Commission on Human Rights thereby replacing the current Commission on Citizen’s Rights and Community Relations. The new Commission on Human Rights would be granted expanded powers including making recommendations to the Mayor, Common Council, City Departments, and wider community regarding legislation and other appropriate measures to further human rights protection of residents in the City of Buffalo. Town of Alden Elections Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Gwendolyn A Bork (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Louis C Mussari* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Amherst Ballot Proposal Ballot Proposal Number 1: Term Limits Shall the Town of Amherst limit the elected consecutive terms of Supervisor and Councilmember to two four-year terms and Town Clerk and Town Superintendent of Highways to three four-year terms? A "YES" vote establishes term limits for the offices of Supervisor, Councilmember, Town Clerk, and Superintendent of Highways. A "NO" vote would not alter the current terms of these offices. Abstract: Shall there be approved and adopted in the Town of Amherst, New York, a Local Law entitled “2026 Town of Amherst Term Limits Local Law,” as enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Amherst on the 27th day of July, 2026, limiting the terms of Supervisor and Councilmember to no more than two consecutive terms of four years each and limiting the terms of Town Clerk and Town Superintendent of Highways to no more than three consecutive terms of four years each? The elected town offices of Supervisor, Councilmember, Town Clerk, and Town Superintendent of Highways shall constitute different public offices. Town of Aurora Elections Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Charles D Snyder* (Republican Party) Raymond M Wrazen (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1) Molly Flynn (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Shane M Krieger (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Town of Boston Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Kyle W Calabrese* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Brant Elections Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1) Donna M Marien** (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Debora L Bushnell (Democratic Party) Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Donald L Clark (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Cheektowaga Elections and Ballot Proposal Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1) Rachel L Martinez (Democratic Party) David J DeFields Jr (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) John J Wanat* (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Ballot Proposal Number 1: Term Limits Shall the Town of Cheektowaga establish Term Limits for the office of Supervisor, Town Clerk, Superintendent of Highways, and Councilmember limited to 12 years, or three (3) terms, excluding uncompleted terms of office? A "YES" vote would establish term limits for Supervisor, Town Clerk, Superintendent of Highways, and Councilmembers in the Town. A "NO" vote would not alter or impose such term restrictions on these offices in the Town. Abstract: A Local Law to Modify and Establish Term Limits in the Town of Cheektowaga. The local law will limit the term of office for Supervisor, Town Clerk, Superintendent of Highways, and Councilmember to 12 years, or three (3) terms if any such term is included as a result of the passage of Chapter 741 of the laws of 2023, excluding uncompleted terms of office. A "YES" vote would establish term limits for Supervisor, Town Clerk, Superintendent of Highways and Councilmembers in the Town. A "NO" vote would not alter or impose such term restrictions on these offices in the Town. Town of Colden Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Michael R Schneider* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Collins Elections Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Kenneth E. Martin* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Michael F. Cooper* (Republican Party) Sylvia L Jock (Democratic Party) Kurt R Stitzel (Conservative Party) Town of Eden Election Town Superintendent of Highways (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1) Nicholas G Blasz** (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Elma Elections Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Wayne A Clark* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) M William Boller (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Evans Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Donald D Hepkins* (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Holland Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Christopher H O'Brien* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Lancaster Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) David S Stabler* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Marilla Elections Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Brian W Nolan Sr (Republican Party) Uncontested Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Taylor A Erhardt* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Orchard Park Elections Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 2) Michael J Pastrick* (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party) Charles A Messina* (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party) Town of Sardinia Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Eric G Place* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Tonawanda Election Supervisor (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1) John J Flynn** (Democratic Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Wales Elections Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Timothy B Howard* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Michael S Simon* (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of West Seneca Election Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1) Jeffrey M Quain (Democratic Party) John M Rusinski (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Relevant Resources: New York State Board of Elections NYSBOE Public Reporting Erie County Board of Elections Guide to Researching Candidates on Your Ballot Open Secrets VOTING RIGHTS AND RESOURCES Across the country, marginalized communities are facing disenfranchisement through voter ID requirements, reduced polling hours, restrictions to mail-in voting, and aggressive voter roll purges. Plans by the federal government to commit voter intimidation, to contract with election deniers, and centralize voter eligibility data could lead to further disenfranchisement of eligible voters. Additionally, the rapid adoption of generative AI and AI chatbots by candidates, federal government agencies, and the general public have contributed to the proliferation of election misinformation and cyberthreats further weakening election integrity. It is within this context that we review the rights and protections that are in place for New York voters in this shifting electoral landscape. Voter Identification Voters of New York State are not required to present identification while voting. However, if a voter does not provide valid identification at the time of registration, they must show identification at the polling place when voting for the first time. Voters can present the following forms of identification: A current, valid photo ID, including but not limited to a drivers' license or a DMV-issued non-driver photo ID A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document with the voter's name and address Relevant Resources: Who Lacks ID in America Today? An Exploration of Voter ID Access, Barriers, and Knowledge Immigrant And New American Voting Rights Immigrants and New Americans in New York State have certain legal rights and opportunities to vote, depending on citizenship status. U.S. Citizens: U.S. citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, have the full legal right to register and vote in all elections at the federal, state, and local levels in New York State. Naturalized Citizens: Immigrants who have gone through the naturalization process and have become U.S. citizens are eligible to register to vote and participate in all elections in New York State. Non-U.S. Citizens: Non-U.S. citizens, including documented immigrants (e.g., permanent residents or green card holders) and undocumented immigrants, are not eligible to vote in federal, state, or local elections. The bottom line is that only current U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in elections, New York State Elections, and any municipal or county election within New York State. Relevant Resources: Noncitizens Are Not Voting in Federal or State Elections — Here’s Why “An Assault on Democracy”: The Effects of Voter ID Laws on Immigrant-Serving Organizations Threats to Deploy ICE at Poll Sites Loom Over New York’s Immigrant Voters Voting Rights for Individuals with a Disability Individuals with disabilities in New York State have the right to vote without facing discrimination like any other eligible citizen. The right to vote is protected under various federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Individuals with disabilities have the right to register to vote if they meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of their disability. Voter registration forms should be accessible and available in alternative formats if needed. Individuals with disabilities can register and vote if they have a guardian, unless guardianship is accompanied by an order of incompetence from a judge. A person with a guardian can ask the court at any time to restore their right to vote, if it was taken away. Polling places must be accessible to people with disabilities. Polling places must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities can vote independently and privately. This may include accessible voting machines, accessible entrances, and assistance for those who need it. Voters with disabilities have the right to bring someone to assist them in casting their vote if they require assistance due to their disability. Election inspectors at the site can also help and can provide assistive devices. However, certain individuals, like employers or union agents, may not assist voters. If you have a disability and have any issues registering to vote or voting due to a lack of accommodation, contact the Erie County Board of Elections at (716) 858-8891 or call the Office of the New York State Attorney General's Election Hotline at (866) 390-2992. Relevant Resources: ADA Checklist for Polling Places issued by the U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General's guidance on assistance to voters with disabilities Self-Advocacy of New York State Voting Resources Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) 13 Things Voters with Disabilities Need to Know ARISE: Lunch and Learn | Accessing the Vote Voting Rights for People Convicted of a Felony, Misdemeanor, or are Awaiting Trial The vast majority of people who are currently incarcerated have the right to vote. Despite the fact that most persons detained in jail are eligible to vote, very few actually do. Individuals only lose their right to vote while they are in prison for a felony conviction and while they are serving felony probation or parole. If someone is convicted of a felony and their sentence is suspended or they are released from incarceration, they regain the right to vote. People convicted of a felony need to re-register to vote upon completion of their prison sentence. All other convictions do not take away an individual’s right to vote. If someone is incarcerated due to a misdemeanor, a violation, or if someone is incarcerated awaiting trial and is unable to post bail they do not lose their right to vote in New York State. Voting Leave Rights In April 2020, New York State amended the Election Law to allow eligible employees up to two hours of paid time off to vote if they do not have sufficient time outside of their working hours to cast their ballot. Employees must notify their employer at least two working days before the election to request this time off. Confidential Registration For Victims of Domestic Violence New York State Election Law allows victims of domestic violence to apply for confidential voter registration by delivering a sworn statement to the local county board of elections stating they are a victim of domestic violence and they wish to have their voter registration record kept confidential because of the threat of physical or emotional harm to themselves or a family or household member. Their voter registration record will be kept separate and apart from other registration records for four years and not be made available for inspection or copying by the public or any other person, except election officials acting within the course and scope of their official duties. The New York State Statement of Confidential Voter should be completed and submitted to the Erie County Board of Elections located at 134 W Eagle St 3rd Fl Buffalo NY, 14202. If the individual is not yet registered to vote, a voter registration form must be completed first. Under a separate section of New York State Election law, victims of domestic violence can be excused from going to their polling place to vote and get a special ballot mailed to them or delivered to them at the county board of elections. The New York State Special Ballot Application should be completed and submitted to to the Erie County Board of Elections located at 134 W Eagle St 3rd Fl Buffalo NY, 14202. Language Rights in Voting In New York State, voters for whom English isn't their primary language or who have difficulty reading or writing in English have the right to bring someone to assist them at the polls. This person can be a minor, family member, or a friend. The person assisting with interpretation does not have to be a US citizen or a registered voter. However, they cannot be an employer, an agent of an employer, or an officer or agent of an union. If a voter needs language assistance and didn't bring anyone to help, two poll workers from different political parties, or a designated interpreter, can assist. Receiving language assistance can happen throughout the voting process, including inside the voting booth. The person providing assistance may have to swear an oath that they did not improperly influence the voter. Erie County must also provide election-related materials in the Spanish language. Election Law specifies these materials include: ballots registration or voting notices forms instructions assistance other materials or information relating to the electoral process Relevant Resources: Language Rights in Voting New York voters, know your rights to language assistance John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York Spanish Language Determinations 2025 Rides to the Polls Western New York Independent Living provides free transportation to polling sites for individuals with disabilities through their Independence Express service. To sign up for the service, call Cathy Colicchia, the Director of the service at (716) 836-0822 ext.150 or email ccolicchia@wnyil.org. Additionally, both the Erie County Democratic Committee and Republican Committee offer free rides to the polls for eligible voters during polling hours. To sign up for a ride with the Erie County Democratic Committee, call (716) 853-2511. To sign up for a ride with the Erie County Republican Committee, call (716) 856-8700. Questions or Challenges Voting The Election Protection Hotline is a national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition of 300 local, state, and national partners covering all 50 states. Voters can use the hotline if they have questions or encounter problems while voting. Voter hotlines are available in English, Spanish, Asian languages, and Arabic. Live chat is also available in 12 languages. English 866-OUR-VOTE | 866-687-8683 Spanish/English 888-VE-Y-VOTA | 888-839-8682 Asian Languages/English 888-API-VOTE | 888-274-8683 Arabic/English 844-YALLA-US | 844-925-5287 Get Involved Sign Up to Become a Poll Worker New York Election Protection Volunteer Opportunities New York Counts Partnership Additional Resources: New York State Board of Elections Erie County Board of Elections United States Election Commission New York State Election Security Requirements New York State Election Law New York State Attorney General Voting Resources Out of State College Students Voting Guide VOICE Buffalo, and many of its partners are 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, tax-exempt organizations. As a result, we do not participate in partisan political activity, and we do not support or endorse any political candidates or parties. Did we miss something? Let us know! Share your feedback at kat@voicebuffalo.org.

🚨If you are willing and able, please consider supporting the family of Nurul Amin Shah Alam🚨 Statement on behalf of the VOICE Buffalo Team and the ARISE Committee: We are devastated by the tragic and negligent murder of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee from Burma. Shah Alam was blind in one eye, had blurry vision in the other, and did not speak English. He escaped the genocide in Burma only to die at the hands of a neglectful collaborative effort of U.S. Border Patrol, Buffalo Police, and the Erie County Sheriff's Office in Buffalo. While only briefly, he was a part of Buffalo’s beautifully vibrant Burmese community, and his death was an act of heartless brutality. Leaving someone with a visual disability, who does not speak English, in a location that is not familiar to them, barefoot, and without notifying counsel or family in the dead of a Buffalo winter is deadly. Any investigation into Shah Alam’s death must be independent from the agencies involved. It must thoroughly examine not only the actions of the U.S. Border Patrol, which led to his death only five miles from his home, but also the failure of City and County officials to de-escalate the situation that led to his initial incarceration and any violation of Shah Alam’s civil rights. In February 2025, Shah Alam had gotten lost one day, mistakenly wandering onto a woman's yard with a curtain rod he used as a mobility assistance device, like a white cane for the blind, which has been mistakenly characterized as a “Walking Stick.” When the woman called Buffalo police, Shah Alam was not able to understand or respond to officers. Buffalo police are required, through federal laws like Title II the Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, New York State Human Rights Law, and local policies, to provide accommodations for people who are blind or do not speak English so that they can effectively communicate, which they failed to do. Officers subsequently beat, tasered, and charged Shah Alam with assault, trespassing, and possession of a weapon. Investigations need to also address the mishandling of Shah Alam’s missing person case by Buffalo police detective Richard Hy, the improper lack of consideration of the curtain rod as a mobility-assistance device by the Erie County District Attorney, as well as the improper notification of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office to the U.S. Border Patrol following his release. Ultimately, no investigation can undo the loss of life. While we demand that local officials address the policies and practices that led to Shah Alam’s murder, law enforcement agencies and officials be held to account, we also call for the passage of the New York York For All Act on a state level and the overdue abolition of ICE on the federal level. 🚨If you are willing and able, please consider supporting the family of Nurul Amin Shah Alam🚨

📺 Community Conversation on Olmstead v L.C., the DOJ Memo, and the Fight Ahead (Youtube Link) BACKGROUND In 1995, Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson were held in a Georgia psychiatric institution. Their doctors said they were ready to live in the community, but there weren’t community based services available to release them. They sued and the case went to the Supreme Court. In 1999, the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v L.C. that unjustified segregation of disabled people violates the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). This case became a major foundation for the right to community living, requiring people to receive services in the community and not be forced into institutions. Lois Curtis Elaine Wilson The fight for community living has been a long one and never fully implemented, but Olmstead made community living a civil rights issue. It helped people leave and avoid psychiatric hospitals, nursing facilities, detention centers, jails, and other segregated settings. In June 2026, the Department of Justice issued a memo guiding federal agencies to not prioritize community services. While the memo does not change the law or overrule the Supreme Court, it argues that courts have misinterpreted the rights of individuals with disabilities to be integrated into their communities. The memo also said the Department of Justice and Health and Human Services could reconsider or rescind related regulations and guidance. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? The Department of Justice Memo erodes the practical mechanism that has driven community integration progress for more than 25 years, even though the legal right survives on paper. The Department of Justice serves as a sort of referee for governmental agencies. Historically, it has provided oversight and enforcement when agencies violate people's rights. The memo released in June signals a major shift from federal enforcement of community integration rights onto private litigants and protection and advocacy agencies. The Department of Justice says states are not violating federal law as long as they can provide any basic “nonarbitrary rationale”, like budget cuts, for keeping an individual institutionalized. Weaker federal enforcement can make it harder to protect community-based services and fight unnecessary institutionalization. The right to receive care in the most integrated setting still stands, the question is who enforces, and how aggressively. The impact of this shift will be felt differently in different states, because states have independent authority over disability and mental health law. Some states will try to push to adopt this new interpretation, which could eventually set up a Supreme Court case that revisits the Olmstead decision itself. However, we have the power to act and fight this shift in New York State and for our siblings who will be impacted across the country. We must demand stronger Olmstead protections, community care rights, and investment in housing and support services. WHAT CAN WE DO? The rights that we enjoy today haven’t come from the good will of those in power. They come from the persistence and determination of advocates fighting for a community where we belong. We have included a list below of various actions you can take to protect and strengthen the rights afforded to us because of the Olmstead decision based on what makes sense for your capacity. Educate Allies and the Community Has Olmstead and community living shaped your life? Talk to family, friends, neighbors, and the people in your life about what community integration means in daily life and why defending these rights are important to you. You can also share your story with the broader community through social media and through working with the media. Partnership for the Public Good’s resources on working with the media Participate in Disability Voting Rights Week Across the country, eligible voters continue to experience barriers that make it harder, and sometimes impossible, to participate in our elections and in civic society. Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) is a nationwide, nonpartisan, cross-disability movement to celebrate the disability community, advocate for accessible futures, and build power. This year, Disability Voting Rights Week is celebrated from September 14th to 18th. Learn more at American Association of People with Disabilities Western New York Independent Living will be hosting a Meet the Candidates Day October 14th, 2026. This is a great opportunity to get candidates on the record their stance on robust Olmstead protections. Below are a few important dates to make note of for the November 2026 election: Voter Registration Deadline for General Election: October 24, 2026 (applications must be received by this date) Early Mail and Absentee Ballot Request Deadline for General Election: October 24, 2026 if mailed, and November 2, 2026 if hand-delivered Early Mail and Absentee Ballot Return Deadline for General Election: November 3, 2026 Early Voting: October 24, 2026 - November 1, 2026 Election Day: November 3, 2026 In New York State, individuals with disabilities have the right to register to vote if they meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of their disability. Voter registration forms should be accessible and available in alternative formats if needed. Individuals with disabilities have the right to vote without facing discrimination like any other eligible citizen. The right to vote is currently protected under various federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Polling places must be accessible to people with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations to ensure they can vote independently and privately. Some of these accommodations may include accessible voting machines, accessible entrances, and assistance for those who need it. New York State is required to use accessible voting systems that allow voters with disabilities to cast their votes privately and independently. These systems should be equipped with features like audio instructions, large print, and touchscreens. Voters with disabilities have the right to bring someone to assist them in casting their vote if they require assistance due to their disability. However, certain individuals, like employers or union agents, may not assist voters. If you have a disability and have any issues registering to vote or voting due to a lack of accommodation, contact Disability Rights New York Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access at 1-800-993-8982. Relevant Resources: Disability Democracy: Tactical Strategies to Enshrine Olmstead Self-Advocacy of New York State Voting Resources Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) 13 Things Voters with Disabilities Need to Know ARISE: Lunch and Learn | Accessing the Vote Accessible Voting in New York State Voting by Early Mail Ballot or Absentee Ballot Poll Site Search, Voter Registration, and Mail Ballot Tracker Educate State and Local Official American Association of People with Disabilities has created an easy-to-use tool to contact state attorneys general and governors to sign on to statement supporting community integration Contact New York State Governor and Attorney General at this link - this is a templated statement and can be edited if you wish to add a personal story and demand that New York State officials match their public statements with taking decisive action. This is the statement they are being asked to sign on to This is a background memo to help understand the statement Guidance on how to contact your state leadership, from the Disability Rights Education Defense Fund (DREDF) Some New York State officials have made supportive statements following the June Department of Justice memo after pressure from disability advocates. Governor Hochul even led a group of 18 Governors in a letter urging the Trump administration not to retreat from federal disability law, but it’s time to turn those statements into decisive action. It’s also important to build relationships with your State Senator and Assembly Member throughout the year. Most meet regularly in their district offices with constituents and have a casework team to provide support. What is most impactful are personal stories. Your story has the power to influence public policy. You can find contact information for your State Senator here and your State Assembly Member here. Educate Your Members of Congress Share why community living is important to you with your member of Congress. You can call or write to them anytime. Contact information for your representatives in Congress can be found here. Ask them to co-sponsor House Resolution on Olmstead, H.R. 1469 which condemns the legal opinion issued by the U.S. Department of Justice on June 18, 2026 Join Local Organizing Efforts ARISE Committee: Join our monthly ARISE disability rights call as we check-in with one another, share campaign and legislative updates, and strategize for next steps. We meet the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 AM. Email Committee Chair, Mike Rogers at mrogers@sanys.org, to be added to the event and email lists. Care Not Corruption Coalition: Join our monthly coalition calls to connect, reflect, learn and take action with fellow Western New Yorkers on the frontlines of the home care crisis. We meet on the first and third Wednesday of every month at 2:00 PM. Email Coalition Organizer, Renee Christian at renee@caringmajorityrising.org, to be added to the event and email list. L’Arche Buffalo: Second Mondays and Fourth Friday dinners join us at 6:00pm at Pilgrim St Lukes to create relationships across ability, eat together, and support the skills of adults with disabilities. Stay after to learn songs together and connect with neighbors, advocates, and organizers and learn songs to regulate at home and at demonstrations. Support us September 11th at the Lodge at Woodlawn Beach for our Fall fundraiser to support events designed to connect community members across the ability spectrum. Our calendar is here or reach out to andrea@larchebuffalo.org to be added to the event and email list. There are L’Arche’s around the world! In New York State, there is a L’Arche Long Island and a L’Arche Syracuse. Engage in Broad Solidarity We must have cross-disability solidarity and cross-issue solidarity. We are more powerful when we fight together! Many policy efforts to restrict rights are aligned with or part of broader efforts to institutionalize and criminalize people. Whether it be unhoused people, our immigrant neighbors, those living in poverty, or people who are targeted because of their race, gender or sexual identity, our rights are deeply intertwined with many other movements for justice. Sins Invalid’s 10 Principles of Disability Justice Sins Invalid’s 10 Principles of Disability Justice(Plain Language) Broadly speaking, the New York State constitution has strong protections against institutionalization. However, we need to ensure those protections are applied equitably, are fully resourced, and have oversight from the communities that will be impacted most. New Yorkers also have the opportunity to set an example and advocate for those in other states that don’t have those same protections. As we continue to demand better from our government officials, we can encourage people in other states to step up and use their voices to demand better from their government officials as well. Follow the Texas v Kennedy case which is currently a Complaint by Texas, Alaska, and Florida against the United States government seeking to get rid of Section 504 and its updated rules from 2024 protecting people with disabilities from discrimination in health care and human services. The Complaint originally started with 17 states, and as the purpose shifted with a change in administration, 9 states renewed their attack in January 2026 on Section 504 and the right to live in the community. Since then, six states, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, South Dakota, and most recently Missouri, have dropped out of the case due to intense advocacy from the disability community. Join The Defend Community Integration Coalition National disability organizations, allies, and advocates all across the country are coming together to defend the right of people with disabilities to live in our own communities. The Defend Community Integration Coalition is a coalition of national, state, and local organizations and individuals who will work together to protect community living. Join us for strategy meetings, a listserv, and resource sharing Monitor and Comment During Rulemaking Processes The memo is a signal that the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services plan to try to change long standing regulations that require states to serve people in the community, not institutions. Government agencies usually use informal rulemaking procedures when creating new administrative regulations, also known as “rules,” or when modifying or repealing existing rules. This process requires the agency to notify the public of the proposed new or changed rule, and to accept public comments. On July 20th, 2026 the Department of Justice rescinded its Olmstead guidance, citing the June 18th DOJ Memo. Sign up for AAPD’s mailing list to receive AAPD Action Alerts every time AAPD does a campaign to comment on important disability rulemaking processes This resource from Justia explains how the notice & comment process works Stay Informed Through Reliable Sources and Resources American Association of People with Disabilities(AAPD): works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law: advocates for the civil rights, full inclusion and equality of adults and children with mental disabilities. Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF): is a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities. National Council on Independent Living(NCIL): Advance the disability-led Independent Living Movement to expand the capacity of Independent Living Programs to enhance the human and civil rights of all people with disabilities. WBFO Disabilities Beat: Local Buffalo Toronto Public Media reporting on disability related topics Red Line for Civil Rights: was built by and is run by former career attorneys and staff of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. Plain Language Roundup: Take action against attacks on the integration mandate: plain language round up by Autistic Advocacy explainsing the integration mandate. Disability Scoop: the nation’s largest news organization devoted to covering developmental disabilities. You can sign up for their free newsletter.

This is an evolving situation, and we will note updates as information becomes available. For ongoing updates about SNAP benefits, please visit otda.ny.gov. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), announced on October 10th that it would not use available contingency funds to issue November benefits if the federal government shutdown continued, putting food security at risk for 41 million Americans. However, following a federal court order on November 3rd, the Trump Administration was directed to release at least partial SNAP benefits for the month using those contingency funds. What Does This Mean Following the court order, the Trump Administration says it plans to cover roughly half of current participants’ benefit levels but will it not cover new applicants for November. Distribution will likely be delayed and may take weeks or months to implement the system changes needed. The partial funding means many households in Erie County will still see a reduced benefit, delayed benefit, and increasing food insecurity. Local food banks, pantries, and emergency support networks while not a solution will continue to see heightened demand as benefits are reduced or delayed. OPWDD Guidance For individuals receiving OPWDD services: Those living in certified provider-operated housing will continue to receive food and support. Those living independently should contact their Care Manager immediately if they risk running out of food or resources. Resources FeedMore WNY — Find Food | (716) 822-2002 Coordinates food banks and pantries throughout Erie County. Buffalo Food Not Bombs — Facebook | (716) 324-1540 Offer vegan and vegetarian meal Buffalo City Mission — 100 E. Tupper St., Buffalo | (716) 854-8181 Provides daily meals, food boxes, and emergency shelter. Friends of Night People — 394 Hudson St., Buffalo | (716) 884-5375 Hot meals, clothing, and social services. Gerard Place — 2515 Bailey Ave., Buffalo | (716) 897-9948 Family resource center offering food pantry services.

This disability justice resources guide came together as a result of the collective planning and work of the ARISE committee to explore and educate ourselves on the principles. It was planned in partnership with L'Arche Buffalo, Neurodiversity Network of WNY, and SANYS. This guide includes resources shared by facilitators of a Disability Justice Workshop that was planned by ARISE. If you have additions or updates to this list please comment below or email kat@voicebuffalo.org. What Is Disability Justice? Disability Justice is a movement framework that goes beyond the fight for accessibility or inclusion. It’s about transforming the systems that classify some lives as disposable and others worth protecting. Source: Sins Invalid Developed by disabled queer people of color through the work of Sins Invalid and the Disability Justice Collective, Disability Justice recognizes that ableism is deeply connected to racism, capitalism, sexism, classism, and other forms of oppression. It insists that no one is left behind, and that liberation must include those most marginalized within disability communities: people of color, immigrants, queer and trans people, those living in poverty, people with chronic illness, psychiatric disabilities, and cognitive differences. In an era of funding cuts, attacks on DEIA, and renewed eugenic ideologies, Disability Justice gives us the tools to organize, care for each other, and build alternatives to systems that harm us. It is not just framework, it is a blueprint for survival, solidarity, and transformation. Foundational Texts (PDF) Skin, Tooth, and Bone: The Basis of Movement is Our People by Sins Invalid A Disability Justice primer exploring intersectionality, collective liberation, and leadership of disabled people of color. (Webpage) 10 Principles of Disability Justice by Patty Berne and Sins Invalid Outlines the guiding framework for Disability Justice — interdependence, cross-disability solidarity, and sustainability. (Book) Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha Explores disability justice organizing, care collectives, and the radical power of interdependence. (Blog) Leaving Evidence Blog by Mia Mingus We must leave evidence. Evidence that we were here, that we existed, that we survived and loved and ached. Evidence of the wholeness we never felt and the immense sense of fullness we gave to each other. Evidence of who we were, who we thought we were, who we never should have been. Evidence for each other that there are other ways to live--past survival; past isolation. (Book) The Future Is Disabled: Prophecies, Love Notes, and Mourning Songs by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha Essays on grief, joy, and building a world where all disabled people can thrive. (Online Community) Disability Visibility Project An ongoing archive of disabled voices, essays, and oral histories. Videos & Talks (Video) Disability Justice Is Not a Metaphor with Mia Mingus "We are not fighting for inclusion into systems that are killing us. We are fighting to create something else.” (Video) Opening Keynote with Mia Mingus (starting at 5:00 mark) Highlights connections between ableism, capitalism, and collective liberation. (Video) Who Belongs? at the Othering & Belonging Conference with Imani Barbarin A powerful discussion of belonging, policy, and the ongoing marginalization of disabled communities. (Video) Dreaming Disability Justice into Our Future with Lydia X.Z. Brown On imagining beyond the systems that harm us and building care-based futures. Mutual Aid & Collective Care (Book) Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next) by Dean Spade A powerful guide to creating networks of care, solidarity, and survival outside of state and market systems. (Video) Mutual Aid 101 By Dean Spade An accessible introduction to building mutual aid networks in your community. (Social Network Group) Buffalo Mutual Aid Network Facebook Group A social action group for peer-to-peer organizing, humanitarian assistance, and reliable information sharing developed in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The transportation system in Buffalo, New York is inaccessible for many individuals, particularly those with disabilities. Public transportation options, such as buses and trains, have limited routes and schedules, making it difficult for people to travel to certain areas of the city. The physical infrastructure of the transportation system itself is not accommodating to those with disabilities or mobility issues. Many stations and stops lack wheelchair accessibility, and the buses and trains often do not have adequate seating or space for passengers with disabilities. The lack of accessibility in Buffalo's transportation system creates significant barriers for people trying to access education, employment, healthcare, other essential services, and live independently. The current services Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) provides is an injustice to Buffalo’s disabled seniors, veterans and to the disability community as a whole. The Buffalo Niagara region does have paratransit services available for eligible riders. The NFTA does provide Accessible Transportation Services (ATS) through its Paratransit Access Line(PAL) for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-route bus and rail system. To use PAL, individuals must apply for eligibility and be certified by the NFTA. While the PAL service provided by the NFTA does offer accessible transportation for eligible riders as a requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the service only does so if individuals are within three-quarters of a mile on either side of a bus-metro route or station and for a fare of $4 each way. This restriction, the process for ordering PAL service, the scheduling system, long wait times, and unreliability creates challenges for individuals in terms of service coverage. A.R.I.S.E. Committee Members and local disabilities rights advocates have continued to organize and demand equitable and accessible transportation options for all individuals with disabilities by campaigning for the expansions of paratransit services and the passing of Stephanie's Bill (S3144/A574) in New York State. The bill which is named after Stephanie Speaker, an outspoken advocate of paratransit access that serves the needs of Western New York’s disability community, would require accessible buses be made available within a three miles from any bus line and includes a budget ask for $20 million to do pilot testing on paratransit expansion. While disability rights advocates have asked for a tangible commitment of funding from the state to expand the range of paratransit access, the New York State Legislature instead requested that the NFTA conduct a review of its Paratransit Access Line, evaluate the demand, the costs and the feasibility of expanding service beyond its current service area. $750,000 was committed to studying the Paratransit Access Line. The NFTA released their PAL Expansion Analysis in December 2024 based on their Paratransit Expansion study that was released in September 2024. The NFTA-Metro Paratransit Expansion Study provided an analysis of the costs and feasibility of potential service area expansion and a consultant team provided the NFTA with specific recommendations to improve PAL services. Among the recommendations were updating to its scheduling software and addressing service inefficiencies. Additionally, the NFTA announced that it is aiming to consolidate its core service area while standardizing service hours. Instead of expanding the service area beyond three-quarters of a mile radius, the NFTA plans to focus on standardizing service with fixed hours, from 4:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on weekdays and 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays. With an aging fleet of vehicles and open driver positions, the analysis details the additional capacity and resources needed to expand PAL services. Despite the persistent and unresting efforts of disability advocating for an expanded Paratransit Access Line to meet their transportation needs, many barrier remain. However they continue to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to have equitable access to transportation. Advocates are pushing for a more inclusive solution that doesn't just tweak existing systems, but fundamentally addresses the systemic barriers that limit access to mobility for many disabled individuals. Expanding the PAL service area, improving the scheduling system, reducing wait times, and ensuring reliable transportation are all crucial steps toward a truly accessible and equitable public transit system. The continued advocacy for Stephanie’s Bill and other legislative actions is crucial in ensuring that Buffalo’s disabled community has the same opportunity to live independently, access vital services, and participate fully in society. These efforts are not just about transportation, but about creating a more inclusive, accessible, and just city for everyone. The ultimate goal is to create a transportation system that provides dignity and independence for all residents, ensuring that people with disabilities are not left behind in a rapidly evolving urban landscape. Until these critical needs are met, advocates will continue to fight for a public transportation system that works for all.

If you haven't already heard, IT'S ELECTION SEASON! Table of Contents/TL;DR Voting on Election Day? Click here  to find your polling location and check your registration status. Click here  to find Early Voting locations if you are voting early! Why Bother? Major Races Presidential Election Congressional Elections New York State Wide Elections Erie County Wide Elections Buffalo City Wide Elections Town of Cheektowaga Election Town of Clarence Election Town of Colden Election Town of Collins Election Town of Concord Proposal Town of Evans Election Town of Grand Island Elections Town of Marilla Proposal Town of Newstead Election Town of North Collins Election Town of Tonawanda Elections Town of Wales Elections Town of West Seneca Proposal Village of Kenmore Election Village of Springville Proposal Voter Eligibility Voter Registration Voter Identification Key Dates Additional Resources WHY BOTHER? If we really want a democracy and human rights in this country and in our communities, we have to first accept that for all the progress generations of ancestors have made in fighting for a country that includes their voices, in the United States, in the City of Buffalo, and in Erie County democracy does not include a large portion of the population. Then each of us have to decide, are we going to be committed to democracy or are we going to be committed to rule by white, wealthy, male minority? This fight is a long one and voting is only one tool that we can use to help shape public policy and determine who represents us and the values we want in our representatives. BUT it works best when we all participate, participation is accessible, we make decisions based on accurate information, and when we follow up our vote with other forms of civic participation. Democratic participation is more than going out to vote every four years, and it is essential that we continue to hold those in power accountable. However voting for the representatives that reflect the world in which we are fighting to build, where everyone has the resources to not only survive but thrive and everyone has the ability to participate in the decisions that impact their lives, is the first step. The 2024 election cycle in the Erie County includes key federal, state, and local races. While the Presidential election has been at the forefront of most people's attention, the outcome of state and local races, in addition to ballot measures have the potential to profoundly impact our daily lives across Erie County. We break down which races will be on Erie County residents' ballots this November, your voting rights, and additional resources to support you in making your decision in who to vote for and what to do if you run into barriers. MAJOR RACES Candidates listed are those that qualified for ballot access along with qualifying party lines according to Erie County Board of Elections.  We will update the current list of races if any new races are added. * Indicates incumbency | ** Indicates incumbency via appointment Presidential Election Candidates will represent the major parties (Democratic and Republican). While in other states, third party candidates have made it onto the ballot, in New York State no third party candidates made it onto ballot for the Presidential race.  Vice President Kamala Harris  is seeking election with Tim Walz  as her running mate. They are running on the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party line in New York State. Former President Donald Trump  is seeking election with U.S. Senator of Ohio J.D. Vanc e as his running mate. They are running on the Republican and the Conservative Party line in New York State. Congressional Elections U.S. Senate 33 Senate seats are up for election, including competitive seats in states like Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia. New York U.S. Senate (6 Year Term - Vote for 1) Kristin Gillibrand * (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Mike Sapraicone  (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Diane Sare (LaRouche Party) U.S. House of Representatives  All 435 seats are up for grabs, with Republicans currently holding a slight majority. Control of the House will determine the success of the next president’s legislative agenda. There are two U.S. House of Representative elections that will be on Erie County ballots this November, one for each district depending on where you live.  NYS 23rd Congressional District (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Nick Langworthy *   (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Thomas Carle  (Democratic Party)  NYS 26th Congressional District (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Timothy M. Kennedy * (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Anthony Marecki  (Republican Party, Conservative Party) New York State Wide Elections NYS currently has a Democratic State government trifecta, meaning that the Democratic political party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. New York State Senate Find your Senate District arcg.is/TaHHz District 60 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Patrick Gallivan * (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested District 61 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Sean Ryan * (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Christine M. Czarnik  (Republican Party, Conservative Party) District 63 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) April McCants-Baskin   (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) John P. Moretti Jr.  (Republican Party, Conservative Party) New York State Assembly Find your Assembly District arcg.is/mjufK1 District 139 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Stephen Hawley * (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested District 140 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) William C Conrad III * (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Uncontested District 141 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Crystal Peoples-Stokes * (Democratic Party) Uncontested District 142 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Patrick Burke * (Democratic Party) Marc Priore  (Republican Party, Conservative Party) District 143 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Monica P. Wallace * (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Patrick Chludzinski   (Republican Party, Conservative Party) District 144 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Michelle Roman  (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Paul Bologna  (Republican Party, Conservative Party) District 145 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Angelo J Morinello * (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Jeffrey Elder (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) District 146 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Karen McMahon * (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Deborah Kilbourn  (Republican Party, Conservative Party) District 147 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) David J DiPietro * (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Darci B Cramer (Democratic Party) District 148 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Daniel J Brown (Democratic Party) Joseph Sempolinski (Republican Party, Conservative Party) District 149 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Jonathan Rivera * (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Uncontested District 150 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1) Michael Bobseine (Democratic Party, Working Families Party, Restore Freedom Party) Andrew M Molitor (Republican Party, Conservative Party) New York State Supreme Court Justice - 8th Judicial District (14 Year Term - Vote for 4) Deborah A Chimes * (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party) Henry J Nowak * (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Working Families Party, Conservative Party) Catherine Nugent Panepinto * (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Working Families Party, Conservative Party) Michael J Norris (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party) New York State Ballot Measure Proposal One Equal Protection of Law Amendment The ballot measure would amend the Equal Protection Clause of the New York Constitution to prohibit a person's rights from being denied based on the person's "ethnicity, national origin, age, [and] disability," as well as the person's "sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy." A " YES " vote supports  adding language to the New York Bill of Rights to provide that people cannot be denied rights based on their "ethnicity, national origin, age, and disability" or "sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy." A " NO " vote opposes  adding language to the New York Bill of Rights to provide that people cannot be denied rights based on their "ethnicity, national origin, age, and disability" or "sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.” Erie County Wide Elections Family Court Justice (10 Year Term - Vote for 2) Kara Buscaglia  (Democratic Party, Conservative Party, Working Families Party) Jeffrey Harrington  (Democratic Party) Peter Vasilion  (Republican Party, Conservative Party) District Attorney (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Michael J Keane ** (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) James R. Gardner  (Republican Party, Conservative Party) District 1 Legislator (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1) Lawrence Dupre ** (Democratic Party) County Proposal Number One Alters Certain Voting Requirements in the Erie County Charter   Requires that the county legislature impose the state authorized 1% and 0.75% sales and compensating use tax by simple majority vote instead of presently required affirmative vote of two-thirds.  A “ YES ” vote adds this simple majority vote requirement to the Erie County Charter.  A “ NO ” vote leaves out this simple majority vote requirement of the Erie County Charter. Buffalo City Elections City Court Judge (10 Year Term - Vote for 3) Barbara Johnson-Lee * (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Erin Hart  (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Rashied McDuffie   (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) School Board - Member at Large (5 year term - Vote for 3) Terrance L. Heard * (Nonpartisan) Lawrence Scott * (Nonpartisan) Janita Everhart  (Nonpartisan) Raziya Hill   (Nonpartisan) Edward Speidel  (Nonpartisan) Adrianna Zullich   (Nonpartisan) Town of Alden Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Michael W. Cole * (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Cheektowaga Election Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1) Walter R Burgett (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Anthony M Filipski (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Town of Clarence Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Michael B Powers * (Democratic Party, Working Families Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Colden Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Martin McMahon * (Democratic Party, Republican Party) Uncontested Town of Collins Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Colleen A Kinnaird * (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) Walter C Cain (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Town of Concord Proposal Town Proposal One (Excludes Village of Springville) Amendment to the Volunteer Firefighters Service Award Program Amends the existing Defined Benefit Program established by the Length of Service Award Program to increase the maximum number of years earned from 30 to 50 years, effective January 1, 2025. A “ YES ” vote would increase the maximum number of years earned from 30 to 50 years. A “ NO ” vote would keep the maximum number of years earned at 30 years. Town of Evans Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Dennis P Glascott * (Democratic Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of Grand Island Elections Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1) Wayne M West (Democratic Party) Jose Garcia (Republican Party) Town Proposal One A Local Law to Modify and Establish Term Limits in the Town of Grand Island The local law will limit the term of office for Supervisor and Councilmember to 12 years, and Town Superintendent of Highways and Town Clerk to 16 years, excluding terms completed before January 1, 2025. A “ YES ” vote would modify current term limits  for Supervisor and Councilmember and establish term limits for Town Superintendent of Highways and Town Clerk in the Town. A “ NO ” vote would not alter or impose such term restrictions  on these offices in the Town. Town of Lancaster Proposal Town Proposal One Approval of Bond Resolution for Town of Lancaster Park Project Approves August 5, 2024 Bond Resolution, authorizing the acquisition of property for and construction of a Town Park, at an estimated maximum cost of $7,500,000, as described in the resolution. A “ YES ” vote approves the Bond Resolution and authorizes the borrowing of issuance of serial bonds in an aggregate principal sum not to exceed $7,500,000 for the Town Park Project. A “ NO ” vote means the Bond Resolution is not approved  and the borrowing is not authorized for the Town Park Project. Town of Marilla Proposal Town Proposal One Change in Term of Office of Town Supervisor from 2 years to 4 years Changes the term of office of the Supervisor of the Town of Marilla from 2 years to 4 years commencing with the first bi-annual election after the effective date of approval. A “ YES ” vote will change the term of office  of Supervisor from 2 years to 4 years starting with the next election. A “ NO ” vote will keep the term of office  of Supervisor at 2 years Town of Newstead Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Dennis R Freeman* (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of North Collins Election Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Wayne E Luther (Republican Party, Conservative/Common Sense Party) Uncontested Town of Tonawanda Elections Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1) Timothy J Hennessy ** (Democratic Party) Carl A Heckmann (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) J Patrick Lennon ** (Democratic Party) Uncontested Town of Wales Elections Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1) David E Newman ** (Wales First) Uncontested Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1) Raymond N Poliseno * (Republican Party, Conservative Party) Uncontested Town of West Seneca Proposal Town Proposal One A Local Law to Establish Term Limits in the Town of West Seneca The local law will limit the terms for the offices of Town Supervisor and Town Council Members to two consecutive four-year terms for terms after November, 2021. A “ YES ” vote will establish term limits  for these offices of Town Supervisor and Town Council in the Town. A “ NO ” vote will mean that there will be no term limits  for these offices in the Town.  Village of Kenmore Election Village Trustee (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 2) Brittany A Jones ** (Democratic Party) Donna M Genesky (Democratic Party) Village of Springville Proposal Town Proposal One Amendment to the Volunteer Firefighters Service Award Program Amends the existing Defined Benefit Program established by the Length of Service Award Program to increase the maximum number of years earned from 30 to 50 years, effective January 1, 2025. A “ YES ” vote would increase the maximum number of years earned from 30 to 50 years. A “ NO ” vote would keep the maximum number of years earned at 30 years. Relevant Resources: Look up your sample ballot and view infomation on candidates NYSBOE Public Reporting Ballotpedia's Voter Toolkit VOTER ELIGIBILITY To qualify for voter registration in New York State, a person must: Be a United States citizen ; Be a resident of the county, city, or village for at least 30 days prior to the election, Be at least 18 years old by the date of the election (you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18) ; Not be in prison for a felony conviction; learn more about voting rights for people convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or are awaiting trial ; Not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; Not claim the right to vote elsewhere Immigrant And New American Voting Rights Immigrants and New Americans in New York State have certain legal rights and opportunities to vote, depending on citizenship status.  U.S. Citizens:  U.S. citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, have the full legal right to register and vote in all elections at the federal, state, and local levels in New York State. Naturalized Citizens:  Immigrants who have gone through the naturalization process and become U.S. citizens are eligible to register to vote and participate in all elections in New York State. Non-U.S. Citizens:  Non-U.S. citizens, including documented immigrants (e.g., permanent residents or green card holders) and undocumented immigrants, are not eligible  to vote in federal, state, or local elections. Bottom line—only current U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections, New York State Elections, and any municipal or county election within New York State. Relevant Resources: Noncitizens Are Not Voting in Federal or State Elections — Here’s Why “An Assault on Democracy”: The Effects of Voter ID Laws on Immigrant-Serving Organizations Voting Rights for Individuals with a Disability Individuals with disabilities in New York State have the right to vote without facing discrimination like any other eligible citizen. The right to vote is protected under various federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Individuals with disabilities have the right to register to vote if they meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of their disability. Voter registration forms should be accessible and available in alternative formats if needed. Individuals with disabilities can register and vote if they have a guardian, unless guardianship is accompanied by an order of incompetence from a judge. A person with a guardian can ask the court at any time to restore their right to vote, if it was taken away. Polling places must be accessible to people with disabilities. Polling places must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities can vote independently and privately. This may include accessible voting machines, accessible entrances, and assistance for those who need it. New York State is required to use accessible voting systems that allow voters with disabilities to cast their votes privately and independently. These systems should be equipped with features like audio instructions, large print, and touchscreens. Voters with disabilities have the right to bring someone to assist them in casting their vote if they require assistance due to their disability. However, certain individuals, like employers or union agents, may not assist voters. If you have a disability and have any issues registering to vote or voting due to a lack of accommodation, contact DRNY PAVA 1-800-993-8982. Relevant Resources: Self-Advocacy of New York State Voting Resources Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) 13 Things Voters with Disabilities Need to Know ARISE: Lunch and Learn | Accessing the Vote Voting Rights for People Convicted of a Felony, Misdemeanor, or are Awaiting Trial The vast majority of people who are currently incarcerated have the right to vote. Despite the fact that most persons detained in jail are eligible to vote, very few actually do. Individuals only lose their right to vote while they are in prison for a felony conviction  and while they are serving felony probation or parole . If someone is convicted of a felony and their sentence is suspended or they are released from incarceration, they regain the right to vote. People convicted of a felony need to re-register to vote upon completion of their prison sentence.  All other convictions do not take away an individual’s right to vote. If someone is incarcerated due to a misdemeanor, a violation, or if someone is incarcerated awaiting trial and is unable to post bail they do not lose their right to vote in New York State.  Relevant Resources: Your Right to Register to Vote as a Person with Prior Felony Conviction ( S.830 / A.4448 ) Relates to voting and registration for voting by formerly incarcerated individuals convicted of a felony and to repeal certain provisions of the election law relating thereto ( S.5965-A / A.4009-A ) Relates to providing notice of voting rights to persons released from local jails Out of Step: U.S. Policy on Voting Rights in Global Perspective VOTER REGISTRATION To check voter your registration status visit voterlookup.elections.ny.gov In New York State, you can register to vote online, in person or by mail. Online Registration - To register online you will need to use a NY.Gov ID. If you have previously used a NY.Gov ID with another agency, you may use the same login to access the Online Voter Registration portal . If you have not used a NY.Gov ID you will need to create an account. You can also use the Board of Elections’ Online Voter Registration portal to update your voter registration information. Updated information could include a new name, new address, or changing your party enrollment. Completed applications are sent to the appropriate County Board of Elections for approval and processing. In Person Registration  - In Erie County, you can register in-person the following ways: at the  county board of elections Erie County Board of Elections 134 W Eagle St 3rd Fl Buffalo NY, 14202 at any New York State  Agency-Based voter registration center at the Department of Motor Vehicles, either in person or on their web site if you already have DMV-issued identification By Mail Registration  - In Erie County, you can request a registration form the following ways: Request a New York State Voter Registration form by mail by entering your name directly into the Voter Registration Form Request mailing list Call the  1-800-FOR-VOTE  (1-800-367-8683) hotline to request a voter application Once the form is completed, you need to print the form and sign and date it. Then, mail or deliver the form to Erie County Board of Elections. Note that the Board of Elections cannot accept any kind of digital or Adobe-generated electronic signature. Voter Registration forms must be received by the Board of Elections by October 26th . Relevant Resources: New York State Voter Registration Form English New York State Voter Registration Form Spanish National Voter Registration Act VOTER IDENTIFICATION Residents of New York State does not require voters to present identification while voting. However, if a voter does not provide valid identification at the time of registration, they must show identification at the polling place when voting for the first time Voters can present the following forms of identification: A current, valid photo ID, including but not limited to a drivers' license or a DMV-issued non-driver photo ID A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document with the voter's name and address KEY DATES General Election The general election is on:  November 5, 2024  Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.  An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote  To look up your polling place visit: voterlookup.elections.ny.gov Early Voting Early voting permits citizens to cast ballots in person at a polling place prior to election day. Early voting begins October 26th  and runs until November 3rd . Early voting locations will be open on Saturday, October 26th & Sunday, October 27th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, October 28th to November 1st 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During early voting you can vote at any of the early voting locations regardless of where you live or hand deliver a completed absentee ballot to an early voting location. Absentee Voting Any qualified voter may apply for an early mail ballot. You may simply request an early mail ballot without a reason. Alternatively, a voter may also request an absentee ballot in New York if the voter is: Absent from their county of residence on Election Day; Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability; Unable to appear because they are the primary caregiver of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled; A resident or patient of a Veterans Health Administration Hospital; OR In jail or prison for any reason other than a felony conviction. This includes anyone who is awaiting grand jury action, awaiting trial, or serving a sentence for a misdemeanor. You can request an absentee ballot online  or you can call the Erie County Board of Elections at (716) 858-8891 to request one. Absentee Voting Deadlines: The last day for the board of elections to RECEIVE applications by mail or online for an absentee ballot is October 26th The last day to apply in person for absentee ballot at the Erie County Board of Elections office is November 4th November 5th is the last day to postmark your absentee ballot. It must be received by the county board no later than November 12th The last day to deliver a ballot in person to the county board or poll site, by close of polls is November 5th Relevant Resources: Request an absentee ballot Track your absentee ballot Additional Resources: New York State Board of Elections Erie County Board of Elections United States Election Commission New York State Election Security Requirements New York State Election Law New York State Voting Leave Rights Confidential Registration For Victims of Domestic Violence Out of State College Students Voting Guide Language Rights in Voting Sign Up to Become a Poll Worker Election Protection Hotlines English 866-OUR-VOTE866-687-8683 Spanish/English 888-VE-Y-VOTA888-839-8682 Asian Languages/English 888-API-VOTE888-274-8683 Arabic/English 844-YALLA-US844-925-5287 VOICE Buffalo, and many of its partners are 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, tax-exempt organizations. As a result, we do not participate in partisan political activity, and we do not support or endorse any political candidates or parties.  Did we miss something? Let us know! Share your feedback at kat@voicebuffalo.org .

VOICE Buffalo ran a pilot program of a Midnight Basketball League in the summer of 2024 to address the pressing issues of youth poverty, crime, and community violence in Buffalo. By providing a safe and structured environment for young people during late hours, the program aimed to reduce crime rates and improve overall community well-being. ​ Based on the demographics of the youth population, there is great need for this type of programming. In fact, according to the 2020 census, Buffalo's 10-24 year old population is just under 60,000, accounting for approximately 20% of the city's total population. Data shows there are some after school and summer program initiatives but very few that cover the critical time period of late evening.   Buffalo, NY is one of the most segregated cities in America today. Disparities exist among different racial groups, with 30% of white children experiencing poverty before turning 18, compared to more than 75% of Black youth. This significant economic hardship puts young people at a higher risk of engaging in or falling victim to violent crime. Despite a general decrease in homicides in Buffalo (from 71 in 2022 to 39 in 2023), youth homicides remain a critical issue. In 2023, 9 out of 39 homicides involved individuals aged 10-24 and occurred between 5pm and 1am. Youth need a free, safe, and fun space to build community, friendships, and self-esteem during summer hours and afterschool hours. ​ Midnight Basketball operated on a successful model based in Washington DC, which has been in operation since 1986. This model involves keeping recreation centers open during late hours, providing young people with a safe space to play basketball and participate in educational workshops with food, personal care products, and other youth-related supports available. Program activities include organized basketball games from 6 to 11 pm to engage youth in positive, structured activities during peak crime hours. Informative workshops on topics such as nutrition, healthy choices, workforce development, and health care services will be offered as Voice Buffalo partners with local organizations that will facilitate access to additional resources and support. ​ Historically, the original Midnight Basketball program led to significant decreases in crime in participating cities, with crime rates fell more rapidly than in other cities during the same period. Cities like Akron, Atlanta, Oakland, and Milwaukee have successfully revived Midnight Basketball programs recently, recognizing the need for alternative activities for young people in the evenings and summer hours–reducing violent interactions. Studies show, for instance, that Atlanta saw a dramatic reduction in 911 calls in the neighborhood where games were held, with no calls reported during game times. Buffalo’s Midnight Basketball League Program Aimed to: Reduce Youth Crime Decrease the number of violent crimes involving youth aged 10-24 during late-night hours. Enhance Community Safety Foster a safer community environment by reducing the incidence of youth involvement in violent activities. Increase Youth Engagement Provide constructive activities and support services to young people. ​ ​Finally, the Midnight Basketball program by VOICE Buffalo served as a proactive solution to address the high rates of poverty and violent crime among young people in Buffalo. By providing a safe and engaging environment during critical hours, we aimed to reduce crime, promote positive youth development, and enhance community safety.  Program Impact Enhanced Community Safety Fostered a safer community environment by reducing the youth involvement in high risk activities. Increased Youth Engagement The program provided a safe, structured environment for over 40 young people aged 14-25 Reduced Youth Crime(In the 14208 zip code) 2024: 49 total reported crimes between July 18 and August 29, with only 2 occurring during MBL hours. 2023: 60 reported crimes in the same period, showcasing a noticeable decrease in overall crime this year. A Note on The Social Construction of Crime Crime is a social construct because what is defined as criminal behavior is shaped by societal norms, values, and laws, which vary greatly across cultures and time periods. Rather than being inherent or universally recognized, the concept of crime is created by societies to reflect what they consider unacceptable or harmful behavior. This means that actions deemed criminal in one context may be legal or even acceptable in another. The social construction of crime also reflects power dynamics, as those in positions of authority often define what is considered criminal, which leads to the marginalization of certain groups. Crime is not just about the act itself but also about how society perceives and responds to that act. Thank you to our Program Sponsors Photo Gallery

After years of organizing by directly-impacted leaders, the Clean Slate Act(S7551A /A1029C) was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on November 16th, 2023. The act goes into effect on November 16th, 2024 and will affect 2.3 million New Yorkers allowing them to finally have the opportunity to thrive. What Will The Clean Slate Act Do? In New York State, the Clean Slate Act will automatically seal eligible misdemeanor convictions after three years and felony convictions after eight years giving individuals a second chance, reducing recidivism and allowing them to be active members of their families and communities. The time starts running on the day someone is sentenced or released from incarceration, whichever is later. During that time, that individual cannot have any other criminal conviction. Once the three- or eight-year period expires, the government will automatically seal the conviction if they: Have no pending criminal charges; and Have completed any probation or parole for that conviction Under Clean State, convictions should not appear on a background check when trying to obtain housing, education, and most jobs. Sealing does not expunge, or destroy, the records. Sealed convictions will be visible to a lawyer, prosecutors, and the court if someone is arrested again. The Clean Slate Act will become “effective” on November 16, 2024, one year after the Governor signed the bill into law. Once effective, the courts and various agencies will have up to three years to seal eligible conviction records. Every eligible conviction must be sealed by November 2027. Are There Any Carve Outs? The Clean Slate Act applies to one traffic infraction (Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol) and all misdemeanor and felony convictions, except for: Out-of-state or federal convictions Sex offenses Class A felonies, except for drug possession and sale. Advocating For More To date, 12 states have passed laws for Clean Slate legislation. Pennsylvania (2018), Utah (2019), New Jersey (2019), Michigan (2020), Connecticut (2020), Delaware (2021), Virginia (2021), Oklahoma (2022), Colorado (2022), California (2022), Minnesota (2023), New York (2023). Additionally, there are active Clean Slate campaigns in many states, and organizations working to build support for future efforts are underway in states across the country. The minimum criteria a state law must meet to meet Clean Slate Initiative standards include: Automation of record clearance; Automatic clearance upon eligibility of the record (noting that eligibility varies from state to state); Inclusion of arrest records; Inclusion of misdemeanor records; and, A strong recommendation for laws to include eligibility of at least one felony record. Who Supported Clean Slate Act in Western New York? The Western New York Delegation was made up of the following representatives: Timothy M. Kennedy - 63RD Senate District Sean M. Ryan - 61ST Senate District Jonathan Rivera - 149 Assembly District Crystal Peoples-Stokes - 141 Assembly District The Buffalo Common Council voted unanimously October 5th, 2021 to approve a resolution, introduced by Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt, which supported the passage of the Clean Slate Act. Where Can I Learn More? Have a question about the law or want to know what Clean Slate means for you? See Clean Slate NY's FAQ or attend a live event or one of Clean Slate NY's monthly live webinars. Want to spread the word about Clean Slate? Download and post a flyer.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Persistence Preparatory Academy, Legal Aid Buffalo, Tops, and Health Education Project with in kind donations from Talking Leaves Leaves and Second Chapter Book Store!

We are thrilled to share an important update with our cherished community. As we continue to grow and achieve new heights, it's crucial that our leadership team evolves to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the promotion of Tyrell Ford to the role of Executive Director. Tyrell is a native New Yorker and dedicated family man raising two sons with his wife. He’s alumnus of Buffalo State University (2010), where he excelled in football and track and field. Despite challenges, including a period of incarceration, he earned a MBA in Management from National American University in 2014. Tyrell channels his firsthand experience with the justice system into advocacy, striving to reform it on a daily basis. He’s been a key advocate for numerous initiatives including the passage of “Clean Slate”, a bill designed to give justice impacted folks first and second chances. Additionally, Tyrell enjoys serving as the Board President of The Galactic Tribe, which promotes Afro-futurism among children and young adults. A Message from Tyrell Ford This moment is of great importance to me and individuals like me. It’s beyond words. Transitioning from a jailhouse to a prominent position within an organization exemplifies that one's past doesn't dictate their future. My focus now is to advance this 28-year-old organization by fostering a safe space where every community member can voice their voice for change. Regardless of background or identity, our commitment remains the same in shaping a future that includes and uplifts everyone, building the future leaders of tomorrow. Please join us in congratulating Tyrell on this well-deserved promotion. We are excited about what the future holds under his leadership and look forward to continuing to support him in his new role.

We are pleased to share our VOICE Buffalo 2023 Annual Report. We have strategically invested in the internal structures and necessary support systems to ensure we can serve our community with integrity and efficacy. We are setting out to achieve great things in 2024 as we recommit ourselves to base building, organizing around relevant issues, and empowering our community's voices through leadership building and education.