This year the Stocking Fund has a hole in it

By Marlene McTigue

Capital Region Independent Media

RAVENA—In a concentrated effort to ensure that every eligible voter is prepared for this year’s pivotal elections, the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Albany County last week hosted voter registration events at multiple locations around the county.

Locally, volunteers set up tables at Ravena Shop ‘N’ Save and Glenmont Price Chopper, part of a larger countywide initiative to register voters and provide information about changes to New York state’s voting laws.

“Every eligible American deserves the chance to participate in this year’s pivotal elections,” said Deborah Liebman, voter services director for the LWV of Albany County. “Voter registration is the first step to ensuring your voice is heard. We want to make sure everyone in the Capital Region who wants the opportunity to vote on Election Day is registered.”

Liebman emphasized that New York’s voter registration deadline is fast approaching on Oct. 26, and last week’s events aimed to give residents ample time to complete their registration ahead of this crucial date.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, focuses on increasing political participation and ensuring that citizens have the knowledge and tools to vote. While the League does not endorse or oppose political candidates, it remains committed to empowering voters by providing essential information about the election process. The voter registration drives are a key part of the League’s efforts to promote political responsibility and informed citizen participation.

At the Ravena Shop ‘N’ Save, Christine Primomo, a volunteer with the LWV and a resident of Coeymans, was busy speaking with community members about the importance of being registered.

“We are part of National Voter Registration Day, and the League has set up tables at supermarkets and other public locations throughout the area. We’re ensuring that anyone who needs information or assistance with voter registration has access to it,” Primomo said.

In addition to the voter registration tables at local grocery stores, the RCS Community Library has a table set up with voter information and registration forms, which will remain in place throughout the election season. This provides residents with an ongoing resource for voter registration and election-related questions.

RCS Community Library Director, Lisa Neuman discussed the library’s role in promoting participation in the democratic process.

“Libraries are essential partners in civic engagement,” Neuman said. “We foster trusted, non-partisan relationships with diverse audiences across all age groups. We offer everyone the chance to get the information they need in a welcoming atmosphere.”

The registration events are also aimed at informing voters about changes to New York state voting laws. For example, this is the first election year in which voters can apply for early mail-in ballots in addition to the existing absentee voting options. Primomo said it is critical for voters to understand the rules.

“Once a voter applies for an absentee or mail-in ballot, they must vote using that method and cannot switch to in-person voting,” Primomo said. “They can either mail in their ballot or drop it off at any early voting site.”

Another important aspect of the registration drive is raising awareness of early voting. Early voting in New York begins Oct. 26, and runs through Nov. 3. Voters can cast their ballots at any of the nine designated early voting locations throughout Albany County, regardless of where they live.

“For residents of Coeymans, the closest early voting site is at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Elm Avenue in Delmar,” said Primomo. “This gives voters flexibility, especially if they anticipate being unable to vote on Election Day itself.”

At the Glenmont Price Chopper, the voter registration effort saw a steady flow of citizens.

“It’s been unusually busy,” said Susan Quine-Laurilliard, a League of Women Voters volunteer and Albany County legislator. “We’ve had a great turnout, and many people have expressed gratitude for making voter registration accessible. We’re even running out of forms, which is a good sign that people are engaged and ready to vote.”

Quine-Laurilliard also highlighted another voter registration event coming up in the Capital Region. On Sept. 29, the LWV will be partnering with the Albany County Women’s Caucus and Black Caucus for a large voter registration drive at the MVP Arena in downtown Albany. This event, running from 10 a.m. to mid-afternoon, offers another opportunity for residents to register before the Oct. 26 deadline.

In addition to last week’s events, voters can find helpful resources online. Websites like Vote411.org, managed by the LWV, provide detailed information about local candidates and ballot measures. Additionally, the New York State and Albany County Board of Elections websites offer comprehensive guidance on voter registration, absentee ballots, early voting and more.