(Voting in Chautauqua County, NY. File image by Justin Gould / Media Information Officer).
MAYVILLE, N.Y. — The Chautauqua County Board of Elections and Sheriff’s Office are notifying residents that the petitioning process for the 2025 Election Cycle begins Tuesday, February 25, with candidates and volunteers going door-to-door to collect signatures needed to secure a place on the ballot.
“We would like to let voters know that individuals will be going door to door, collecting signatures to designate people to run for office,” explained Sheriff James B. Quattrone.
Petitioning for the 2025 Election Cycle begins on Tuesday, February 25th and ends on Thursday, April 3rd.
“Each year, candidates must collect signatures from registered voters in the area they are seeking to run and for the party they are circulating petitions for,” noted Commissioner Luz E. Torres. “Collecting signatures can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process and candidates often face challenges such as tight deadlines and limited access to voters. Also, weather conditions can limit access to certain areas can further complicate the signature collection process.”
“Collecting signatures is a crucial step in getting candidates on the ballot for elections. It ensures that candidates have a baseline level of support from the community before they can officially run for office,” adds Commissioner Nacole L. Ellis. “When residents engage with petitioners, they not only learn more about the candidates but also become more involved in the process allowing a deeper understanding of local issues allowing everyone to make more informed decisions at the polls.”
“Each year, there are volunteers that work hard to get candidates Elected to local offices. We want to let the public know that this process will be happening, to lessen the potential confusion and concern regarding this process,” closes Sheriff Quattrone.
Voters who need to update their address or change their political party affiliation can do so by visiting the Board of Elections website, www.votechautauqua.com. It is now too late to change your political party affiliation for the Primary Election Cycle – but any change of enrollment will be placed in a pending status until July 1st.
A complete list of Offices up for Election, can be referenced at www.votechautauqua.com.