CHENANGO COUNTY - Representatives of the Chenango County Board of Elections are reminding voters that as per Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order last week, there will be Independent petitions for ballot access for this year’s General Election.

According to the New York State Board of Elections, in order to run for office on a line other than an official party line, one must file an independent nominating petition. It adds any registered voter who has not already signed a designating petition, and who is qualified to vote for an office, may sign an independent nominating petition for that office.

Chenango County Republican Commissioner of Elections Mary Lou A. Monahan said the change via the governor’s executive order was enacted on June 30, allowing that from July 1 through July 30, Independent petitions may be circulated for offices appearing on the ballot for the General Election.

“To circulate an Independent petition, a candidate creates a name for their independent party of 15 characters or less, and chooses a symbol representing their party,” said Monahan. “The minimum number of required signatures is based on a percentage of voters from the last Gubernatorial Election.”

“Any active registered voter, regardless of party affiliation, who has not already signed a petition for the office appearing on the Independent Petition being circulated, can sign the petition.”

Those who have questions regarding circulating an Independent Petition are asked to contact the Chenango County Board of Elections at 607-337-1764 or 607-337-1765.

Anyone interested in learning more about the general election online may visit elections.ny.gov/index.html for additional information as well.