Election Day is less than one month away, and more people than ever are voting by absentee ballot.

"Of course the request for absentee ballots, a lot of that is tied to COVID-19,” said Chemung County Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner Cindy Emmer. “People don't feel comfortable going to the polls, and this is a safer way for them to vote."

What You Need To Know

  • This year has seen an increase in absentee voting

  • The Chemung County Board of Elections will help you if you make a mistake on your absentee ballot, if you mail it in early enough

  • The last day to request an absentee ballot by mail or online is October 27; in-person early voting begins October 24

Chemung County's board of elections has received 2,000 applications for absentee ballots, with more coming every day. The latest a registered voter can request a ballot by mail or online is October 27. After filling out your ballot in pen, there are several steps you need to take.

"After you fill out your ballot, you're going to put it in what's called the ballot envelope,” Emmer said. “You're going to seal it; very important. Sign your name and date it, and then you're going to put it in the return envelope and send it in.

“Make sure you follow the directions closely. But if you mess it up, the board of elections can help you out. If there is a mistake, we will let the voter know. This is something new this year: We will let the voter know and that person will have a chance to correct the mistake."

If you requested an absentee ballot, or mailed one in already, you can still vote in person. The boards of elections are already preparing machines for voters.

For the second year in New York, you can vote early in person starting October 24.