Tompkins County Board of Elections outlines goals for upcoming elections

Tompkins County's Board of Elections is gearing up for a busy election season, with significant updates shared during the Government Operations Committee meeting on April 4, 2025. Steve DeWitt, the county's election commissioner, highlighted the urgency of filing designating petitions, marking the last day for submissions. He emphasized the importance of running fair and transparent elections, a goal the office has successfully maintained over the years.

DeWitt outlined the expanded voting options available to residents, including nine days of early voting and the popular early vote by mail system, which allows voters to request ballots without needing a specific reason. However, a major challenge looms as the county prepares to upgrade its electronic poll books by the end of the year, necessitated by the discontinuation of support from Apple. DeWitt reassured the committee that grant funding is expected to cover most, if not all, of the costs associated with this upgrade.

The upcoming special election, which coincides with a primary election, presents additional complexities. Voters will need to navigate two different legislative districts, leading to potential confusion. DeWitt plans to send out informative mailings to clarify the voting process for residents.

In response to questions about staffing and resources, DeWitt confirmed that the office is adequately funded but acknowledged the ongoing challenge of recruiting poll workers. He expressed gratitude for the bipartisan nature of the Board of Elections, which he believes fosters fairness in the electoral process.

As the meeting transitioned, attention shifted to the Tompkins County Public Library board of trustees, where 25 applications for new board members have been received, signaling strong community interest in library governance. The committee is set to begin interviews soon, reflecting a commitment to enhancing local library services.