Dear Editor:

Please remind county residents that upcoming local elections are their opportunity to make their voice heard, for elections have consequences.

We have two elections coming up.

VILLAGES:  Residents of the villages of Alfred, Almond, Belmont, Bolivar, Canaseraga, Cuba and Richburg should mark calendars for Village elections taking place on Tuesday, March 21^st. Village officials determine your village tax rate. Confirm or update voter registration status at www.alleganyco.gov/departments/board-of-elections

SCHOOLS:  Tuesday, May 16^th is the date for public school district elections in Allegany County. Voters in each district elect members to their school board AND vote on the school’s budget (and hence the taxes that are levied to support it). 

A person may vote in their school district election and in all matters placed upon the official ballot if such person is:

• A citizen of the United States
• At least 18 years of age
• A resident of the school district for at least 30 days prior to the vote
• Registered with the school district or with the Allegany County Board of Elections

School district voters not already registered with the county must confirm their eligibility by contacting their school’s district office a few days prior to election day.

Local elections are often decided by one or two votes. Any resident that doesn’t vote has no business complaining about the outcome. This IS our money and our chance to have a say.

Ly Kesse

Representative, Alfred District 1

Allegany County Democratic Committee