School Board Election and Budget Vote Information

School Board Candidates: There are two (2) Board of Education seats up for election this year. All residents may vote on the two available seats and the one (1) proposition. The seats will be filled by the two candidates with the highest number of votes as follows:

• Two three-year terms commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2029.

A minimum of 49 signatures are required to nominate a candidate. Petitions are due to the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on April 20, 2026.

To receive a nomination packet, please contact Joanne Stevens, district clerk, at jstevens@carmelschools.org or (845) 878-2094 x6201.

Voter Information: If you are a resident of Carmel Central School District and are registered for general elections in the county where you reside (Putnam or Dutchess), you are eligible to vote in the annual Budget Vote and Board Elections. You may register with the County Board of Elections by mail or through the NY State DMV website until May 14, 2026. Walk-in registrations for school elections only can be taken by the district clerk until May 14, 2026.

Voting Locations: Registered voters must vote at their designated polling place based upon address.  

• Carmel/Southeast Residents: Carmel High School, 30 Fair Street, Carmel
• Kent/East Fishkill Residents: Kent Elementary School, Route 52, Carmel
• Patterson Residents: CCS Administrative Office, 81 South St., Patterson
• Putnam Valley Residents: If you are unsure of your polling place, go online to the NTS Voter Informational Portal at vip.ntsteamed.com or contact Joanne Stevens, District Clerk, at 845-878-2094, ext. 201, or at jstevens@carmelschools.org.
  
  

Absentee Ballots: Applications for an absentee ballot are available here:

• Application for Absentee Ballot, English 
• Application for Absentee Ballot, Spanish

Voters can also request an absentee ballot application from Joanne Stevens, District Clerk, at 845-878-2094, ext. 201, or at jstevens@carmelschools.org. The application must be received by the District Clerk by May 12, 2026 (mail) or May 18, 2026 (in-person).

To be eligible for an absentee ballot, voters must fall into one of the following categories:

• Absence from 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
• 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.

Early Mail Ballots: Voters who do not meet the absentee voter’s qualifications can request an early-mail ballot. 
Applications for an early mail ballot are available here:

• Application for Early Mail Ballot, English 
• Application for Early Mail Ballot, Spanish 

Voters can also request an early mail ballot application from Joanne Stevens, District Clerk, at 845-878-2094, ext. 201, or at jstevens@carmelschools.org. The early-mail ballot application must be received by the District Clerk by May 12, 2026 (mail) or May 18, 2026 (in-person).

All completed absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the district clerk at the CCSD Administrative Office by 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026.