On Sept. 10, some New York voters had the opportunity to participate in primary elections. In New York, primaries are closed elections, and the voter must be enrolled in a specific political party in order to participate, unlike many states that have different regulations.
Perhaps you might be thinking you would like to participate in the primaries to be held in 2014. That is great, but if you are already registered and wish to change your enrollment, or if you have never enrolled in a party and wish to do so now, you must fill out a new voter registration form before Oct. 11. According to state laws, the change must take place before the November general election and Oct. 11 is the deadline for making this change.
It is easy to find registration forms. Forms are available in town and county offices, on the Board of Elections websites, at libraries and post offices. So, if you are interested in participating in a primary in 2014, the time to make your enrollment change is right now.
The League of Women Voters of New York State will be conducting a study this year to examine New York's existing regulations concerning primaries. If you are interested in this study, contact the Leagues of Women Voters of Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer or Saratoga County through their websites for more information. Based upon the results of the study, the league may work to seek changes to existing laws.
But, for now, the time to make any changes in your enrollment is coming up quickly.
Donna Dardaris
Ballston Spa
President, LWV Saratoga County