DELHI — The Delaware County Board of Elections released a public service announcement detailing the upcoming schedule and requirements for candidates seeking to run as independents in the general election.

The process officially begins on April 14, which marks the first day candidates may circulate petitions and collect signatures from the public. Completed petitions must be filed with the board between May 19 and May 26. The final deadline for candidates to either accept or decline a nomination is May 29.

Under New York State election guidelines, any registered voter residing within the appropriate district is eligible to sign a petition for an independent candidate. However, voters are restricted to signing only one petition per office; a signature is considered invalid if the voter has already signed on behalf of a different candidate for the same position.

Information regarding specific offices up for election, the number of signatures required for each position, and further deadline details are available on the board’s official website at delcony.us.

Residents with questions or those in need of physical petition forms can visit the Board of Elections office at 97 Main Street, Suite 5, in Delhi, or contact officials directly at (607) 832-5321.