Through the Monroe County Election Fellows Program, made possible by a grant from the Elections Assistance Commission, at least 50 UR undergraduates have registered within Monroe Country as a prerequisite for participation. The majority of the 50 participants changed their registration to reflect their campus residency, using their university CPU box as their mailing address. As eligible voters of the district, R World R Vote hopes that not only the students enrolled in the Election Fellows Program, but also any students that may have already used their University address as their residence exercise their civic duty in the upcoming election. A strong electoral showing from the University can lead to more attention from local candidates, especially those who could make significant electoral gains by connecting with their student constituency.
A clarification of Fusion Voting:
Fusion Voting in New York allows candidates to be listed under any number of party designations, not just the party in which they are enrolled. This explains why some candidates are listed multiple times for an elected office under different party designations. Though the dominance of the two-party system overwhelmingly leads to either a Democratic or Republican victory, voters may cast a vote for a major party candidate on one of their minor party designations. A vote on a minor party line still counts toward the candidates’ total vote count, preventing voters from feeling like they are wasting their vote on a candidate that has little chance at winning in a plurality system. Proponents of Fusion Voting promote the system as a way for both candidates and constituents to support the ideals of a minor party while remaining electorally viable.
Governor
The Governor of New York is the State’s Chief Executive and charged with a number of responsibilities, such as the preparation of the state’s executive budget, execution and enforcement of state laws and serving as the Commander-in-Chief of New York’s military and naval forces. New York state governors are elected to four-year terms.
Lieutenant Governor
The lieutenant governor is elected on a ticket with the governor for a four-year term. Official duties include serving as President of the State Senate and assuming the governorship in the event of the governor’s death, impeachment or resignation.
Race to watch: The anti-incumbency wave has taken hold of the gubernatorial race in New York, with real estate developer Carl Paladino presenting a challenge to the Democratic candidate, New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Paladino unexpectedly (and overwhelmingly) defeated the endorsed Republican, Rick Lazio, in the September primary. It remains to be seen if the media attention on this race translates to an electoral upset. This race is especially pertinent to this area, as Cuomo selected Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy to be his running mate.
Comptroller
The State Comptroller is New York State’s chief fiscal officer. The duties of the comptroller include auditing government operations and operating the state’s retirement system. New York state Comptrollers are elected to four-year terms.
Attorney General
The New York State Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the state of New York. The Attorney General serves as the guardian of the legal rights of the citizens of New York, its organizations and its natural resources. New York State Attorney Generals are elected to four-year terms.
United States Senator
U.S. Senators are elected to six-year terms.
United States Senator
Two-Year Unexpired Term
There is a special election to fill the vacancy caused by Hillary Clinton’s assumption of the office of United States Secretary of the State in the Obama administration.
The winner of this election will serve the last two years of Clinton’s term.
State Supreme Court Justice
The State Supreme Court handles large civil cases. New York Supreme Court justices are elected to 14-year terms.
Representative in Congress – 28th District
U.S. House Representatives are elected to two-year terms.
State Senator – 55th District
New York state Senators are elected to two-year terms.
Member of Assembly – 131st District
Members of the Assembly are elected to two-year terms.
Race to watch: Even though Bronson is heavily favored to win in this heavily Democratic area, the open seat (Susan John is retiring after 20 years in office) has brought forth a quality Republican candidate, Ken Kraus. Bronson is also advantaged by his position as Minority Leader in the Monroe County Legislature.
County Court Judge (3)
County Court handles mostly felony criminal cases and civil cases of up to $25,000. County Court judges are elected to 10-year terms.
Family Court Judge
Family Court presides over cases involving child custody and support, paternity and adoptions. Family Court judges are elected to 10-year terms.
City Court Judge
City Court judges preside over misdemeanor cases, preliminary stages of felony cases and civil lawsuits involving less than $15,000. City Court judges are elected to 10-year terms.
The General Election is scheduled to take place Tuesday, Nov. 2, with polls open in Monroe County from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
There is a nearby voting location at Helen Wood Hall, Crittenden Blvd.
For more information visit the Monroe County Board of Elections website: www.monroecounty.gov/elections-index.php.
