Fake vs. Fact | Setting the Record Straight (Polling Locations)

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At the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, we believe that open, honest communication is the foundation of a strong partnership with our community. Often, speculation on social media or in neighborhood conversations, like a game of telephone, can cloud the reality of the work being done in our school buildings. You don’t have time for confusion, and you deserve the facts. 

We have created this Fake vs. Fact page to serve as a direct, credible source for our community. Here, we address common rumors with verified, evidence-based information, ensuring you have the clarity you need to stay informed about our schools, our scholars, and our future. 

This Fake vs. Fact page serves as a direct 'source of truth' for our community, dedicated to replacing uncertainty with understanding. By comparing common rumors and disinformation against verified data and district policy, we aim to eliminate confusion and ensure every conversation about our schools is rooted in reality. 

We invite you to check back regularly as we work to keep our community informed, engaged, and empowered with the truth.

Do you have a rumor that you would like clarified? Use this form to ask your question. 

FAKE: The school district changed voting locations last year (May 2025).
(Common misperception.)

FACT: This is False. Polling locations are determined by municipality and ward/political election district, which are determined by the Orange County Board of Elections, based on the most recent census data.

In 2024, the Independent Redistricting Commission voted to approve new congressional lines that closely align with those already in place, making only minor changes to a handful of upstate districts. Based on 2020 Census data, the Orange County Legislature approved new district boundaries, impacting local legislative, assembly, and congressional lines. Key changes involved realigning districts in areas like Newburgh, Middletown, and Monroe to meet population requirements. These changes impacted the polling locations for some residents in the Town of Newburgh, as it relates to voting for school district-related matters.

The county maintains updated Election District Maps on its official website. This change was covered by local and state news sources. 

Adding to confusion, every year around this time, the Orange County Board of Elections sends residents a postcard with their voting location on it. This is for the upcoming primary election (June 2026) and the general election (November 2026). This card does NOT tell you where you should vote for school district-related matters. 

This year, the district updated its systems to include a single place where residents can verify that they are registered and look up their voting location for school district-related matters. 

Your voting location will be in one of our SCHOOL BUILDINGS for school district-related votes. This is likely a different location than you would vote for a local, state, or federal election. The district shares this information during voting/election time.  Click this link to: Find My Poll Place Website and confirm if you are registered to vote.

If you arrive at a polling location and are not listed in the rolls, you have two options. You can either go to the voting location that is shared with you by poll workers or you can complete an affidavit ballot. 

The NECSD School District 2026-2027 Budget vote, Newburgh Free Library Budget vote, and NECSD School Board election will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Polls are open from 12pm (noon) - 9pm. This date is the vote/election date as set by NYSED for school districts throughout New York State.

Questions regarding the upcoming vote/election should be directed to the District Clerk, Mr. Matthew McCoy (mmccoy@necsd.net). 

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!