POUGHKEEPSIE – Voters in Dutchess County using absentee or mail-in ballots are encouraged to use methods other than the United States Postal Service, according to the Dutchess County Board of Elections. Drop boxes, in-person early voting sites, and over-the-counter voting on Election Day at the Board of Elections are viable alternatives, according to Democratic Elections Commissioner Lisa Jessup.
“Nothing has changed in New York State election law or at the post office with respect to voting by mail in New York State, but we do want to encourage those who can to use other methods of returning their ballots,” said Jessup. “Postal delays have been an ongoing concern, and we want to make sure that voters understand the alternatives. Voters who must mail back their ballot should do so as soon as possible and do so at a post office where they can obtain a postmark.”
On September 18, the Board of Elections will issue ballots to military and overseas voters, as well as any voter who has already requested an absentee ballot for 2026.
Also, starting September 18, voters may request an absentee ballot over the counter at the Board of Elections during business hours, fill out the ballot, and return it over the counter. The Dutchess County Board of Elections is located at 112 Delafield Street, Poughkeepsie, and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Absentee ballots may also be dropped at the Board of Elections or at any Dutchess County poll site during early voting or on election day and may be dropped off by anyone. “There are no restrictions on who can drop off your sealed ballot, so if you are unable to get to a ballot drop location, it is fine for you to give your ballot to someone you trust to drop it for you,” Jessup added.
The list of candidates on the ballot in Dutchess County in 2026 and poll locations are on the Board of Elections website at
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