The November 2 General Election sample ballots are now available. They can be viewed at votetompkins.com or can be picked up at the Board of Elections' office. Absentee ballots will also be available for the public. The last day to postmark an application for an absentee ballot is October 26. The last day to apply in person is November 1. Polls for the November 2 General Election will open Tuesday, November 2 from 6 am until 9 p.m. All voters present in New York State will use an optical scan paper ballot system this year after being given a paper ballot. The voter indicates his or her choice by filling in an oval by the candidate’s name. The voter will then insert the ballot into the optical scanner for tabulation. Voters can find more information about using the new voting system at votetompkins.com. A ballot marking device (BMD) will be available at all poll sites for any voter who wishes to use it. The Board of Elections is located at 128 E. Buffalo Street. The office is open M-F 8:30 - 4:30, but will stay open until 7:00 p.m. on October 18, 20, 26 and 28. The Board will also be open Saturday October 23rd and 30th from 9:00 a.m. until noon. For more information, contact Commissioners Elizabeth W. Cree(R) or Stephen M. DeWitt(D) at 607-274-5522.