Qualifications for District Voters

A person shall be entitled to vote at any school meeting for the election of school district officers and upon all other matters which may be brought before such meeting who is:

1. A citizen of the United States of America.

2. At least eighteen (18) years of age.

3. A resident of the Bemus Point School District for a period of thirty (30) days preceding the meeting at which he/she offers to vote.

It is not essential that a person be a taxpayer in order to vote on propositions for raising money by tax on the district. Persons having residence in an area where they vote at general elections cannot also claim residence in a school district outside that area where they own property, as a person can have only one residence or domicile, which is the place of permanent residence or home. 

The Bemus Point School District requires individuals to provide a form of proof of residency. Such forms may include, but are not limited to, STAR exemption of the voter’s home, a driver’s license, a non-driver’s identification card, tax return, a utility bill, or a voter registration card. The Bemus Point School District also requires all persons wishing to vote to provide their signature.

If I don’t have the required ID, can I still vote?

Yes, voters who are unable to provide identification have the right to cast an affidavit ballot. You can ask for that at your polling place.

Absentee Ballot Information

Applications for an absentee ballot may be obtained at the office of the District Clerk at the Maple Grove Jr./Sr. High School building at 3980 Dutch Hollow Road, Bemus Point, NY 14712 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM prevailing time. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the District Vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or on the day before the District Vote if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.

A valid reason for requesting an absentee ballot this year includes being unable to appear due to the risk of contracting or spreading a communicable disease like COVID-19. Additional valid reasons include: Absence from the county on election day; temporary illness or physical disability; permanent illness or physical disability; duties related to primary care of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled; resident or patient of Veterans Health Administration Hospital or detention in jail/prison, awaiting trial, awaiting action by a grand jury, or in prison for conviction of a crime or offense, which was not a felony.

Once an application is received by the District Clerk, an official ballot will be mailed to the applicant. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the District Vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or on the day before the District Vote if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.

If there are any questions about obtaining an absentee ballot, please contact the District Clerk, Holly Griffith by email or at 716-386-2375.

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