TCDC News, Events and Opinion

Tompkins County Democratic Committee Chair Linda Hoffmann encourages the public to participate in their democracy by signing petitions

Ithaca, NY - The midterm elections are on the horizon with the Primary Election on June 23, 2026 and the General Election on November 3, 2026. Before a candidate’s name appears on the ballot, the candidate must collect a certain number of signatures as determined by the Board of Elections.  

The Tompkins County Democratic Committee will be out in the community collecting signatures during the official petitioning period, February 24, 2026 - April 2, 2026 in support of Democratic candidates for the following offices: NY 19 Congressional District, 52nd Senate District, 125th Assembly District, Tompkins County Sheriff, Tompkins County Clerk, NYS Democratic Committee Reps, 6th Judicial District Delegates, and local races. 

“The petitioning process is one of the most basic building blocks of our democracy,” said Tompkins County Democratic Committee Chair Linda Hoffmann. “Over the course of the petitioning period, neighbors will gather signatures from neighbors and help candidates gain access to the ballot. Signing a petition for a candidate is one of the easiest and important ways for the public to be an active participant in their democracy.”