In preparation for this year’s elections, the Chautauqua County Board of Elections is reminding voters of the crucial deadline for changing political party enrollments.

The last day to submit changes is Wednesday, Feb. 14, for those intending to participate in both the Tuesday, April 2, 2024 presidential primary and the Tuesday, June 25, federal, state and local primary election.

“As the Board of Elections prepares for petitioning and the Primary period, Election Law states that we cannot allow individuals from changing their party affiliation between February 15 and seven days following the Primary (July 5 this year),” said Commissioner Brian C. Abram.

Voter registration forms must be physically at the office by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Changes submitted through the state DMV must be made by Tuesday, February 13, in order for the DMV to transmit the data to the Board of Elections timely.

“Election Law makes it clear that if we do not physically have possession of your enrollment change by February 14, your change will not take effect until after the June primary. Without the party change form, individuals wishing to cast a ballot in this year’s Primaries may be unable to do so,” adds Commissioner Luz E. Torres. “You must be registered and affiliated with the political party whose primary you wish to vote in.”

The Board of Elections is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Additionally, on Wednesday, February 14 the Board of Elections will remain open until 5 p.m. to meet statutory requirements for the last day to receive political party changes.

Voters wishing to change their political party need to complete a new voter registration form, designating their new political party choice. Forms can be submitted in-person or via proxy at the front counter during all office hours at 7 N. Erie St. Mayville, NY 14757.

Voter registration forms are available online at votechautauqua.com and at any local municipal office, library, post office or at the Board of Elections. Online options include the New York State Online Voter Registration portal or the Department of Motor Vehicles MotorVoter portal.

Links to both websites are available at www.votechautauqua.com.