Patchogue Village Election Postponed

Update:

PATCHOGUE, NY — The Patchogue Village election — along with all village elections across New York — have been postponed until next month. Gov Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday that the elections have been rescheduled for the April 28 primary election.

"Our top priority has been keeping New Yorkers safe and stopping the spread of the novel coronavirus," Cuomo said.

Original story:

PATCHOGUE, NY — In light of the recent coronavirus outbreak, the Patchogue Village election will still proceed as scheduled this week, but with some changes. The election is set to take place on Wednesday, March 18. Incumbent mayor Paul Pontieri is running unopposed for what would be a fifth term. Three village trustee seats are open, with the three incumbents running for re-election along with one new candidate.

Deputy mayor Jack Kriege and trustees Lori Devlin and Thomas Ferb are seeking re-election, while James Skidmore, former Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce president, is the new candidate, running as an independent.

According to a message from village officials, Patchogue village cannot change the election date on its own, the decision to postpone an election can only be made by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

However, Cuomo made an executive order that registered Village voters can submit an application and receive an absentee ballot at Village Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The ballot must be deposited in the mailbox at Village Hall or postmarked by March 18, 2020 to be valid. The voter must check the box on the absentee ballot stating they are applying for or utilizing an absentee ballot due to "temporary illness."

Officials assures residents that all polling locations will be sanitized in advance and throughout the course of the day. Each location will have a custodian on hand for the entire day. In addition, there are two changes to polling locations due to coronavirus concerns. River Avenue School and New Village Community Room will not be used.

Locations are as follows:

• Districts 15, 16 and 103 - Patchogue Village Hall, 14 Baker Street
• District 17 and 18 - Village Hall, 14 Baker Street
• Districts 21 and 23 - Village Hall, 14 Baker Street
• Districts 19 and 20 - Van Guard Firehouse, 11 Park Street