Early Voting has begun
and in this historic election there are many first time voters in Amherst. Read
on for the voting procedure courtesy of the Town of Amherst. The
procedure for early voting may be slightly different.
Checking In
When you approach the
check-in table, first tell the poll worker the name of the street where you
live, then the number of your residence, and finally your name. The voter's
list is arranged in street order, which assists in keeping your wait time to a
minimum.
If you are disabled and need assistance, you may be accompanied by someone who can
provide the needed assistance or request a poll worker to provide you with
confidential, nonpartisan help.
If your name does not appear on the active list
of voters:
The poll worker at the
check in table will direct a voter whose name does not appear on the active
voter list to the warden for further assistance. The voter may be in
"Inactive Status" which will require the completing and signing of an
Affidavit of Current and Continued Residency before being able to vote. The
voter will also be required to show documentation that establishes their
current and continued residency in the town of Amherst. The precinct warden may
need to contact the Town Clerk to determine if you are registered in another
precinct. If you are listed on another precinct’s list in the Town, you must go
to that polling location.
If you are not on any voter list in the Town, but
believe you have registered:
You may request a
provisional ballot. The provisional ballot allows you to cast your votes, but
they will not be counted until the municipal election official determines your
eligibility. The municipal election official will review available records, at
least those for the last 3 years, to determine eligibility. If eligibility
is confirmed, the ballot will be removed from its sealed envelope and grouped
with similar ballots and counted in a manner that provides the greatest
secrecy. If eligibility cannot be confirmed, your ballot will remain sealed in
the envelope until such time as it is required to be kept and then will be
destroyed without being viewed.
After Receiving Your Ballot
Once you give your
address and name at the check-in table, you will receive a ballot and you can
proceed to a voting booth for privacy.
In a primary election,
voters who are registered in a political party may only obtain a ballot for
that party. If you are an unenrolled voter (commonly referred to as an
"independent voter"), you may request the ballot of any party
participating in the primary election.
You may vote for the
choices available on the ballot or, if you prefer, write in the name of a
candidate in the space provided on the ballot.
Once you are done voting, you will proceed to the check-out table. Again,
you will provide the poll worker your street address and name. You will then
insert your ballot into the ballot box.
