Election Day: April 9 from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Florida Public Library
Push this button to go to the New York State Board of Elections Voter Registration page. There you will find options for registration including online and printed registration forms. It is also possible to register at the Florida Union Free School District offices up until March 25 at 3 p.m., which allows you to vote only in School District elections, including the Florida Public Library vote.
Push this button to open up an Application for an Absentee Ballot that you can print, fill out and bring to the library. Please note deadlines in the timeline below.
FPL Timeline for 2026 Annual Vote & Trustee Election
Monday, February 16
Copy of Proposed Budget available.
Monday, February 23, 10:00 a.m.
Petitions for Trustee candidates to get on the April 9th ballot are available at FPL. (25 signatures are required to secure a place on the ballot. Candidates are advised to get extra signatures in case some are not accepted.)
Applications for Absentee Ballots will be available. Note: Absentee Ballots will be mailed to all voters regularly receiving them per Orange County Board of Elections' list.
Monday, March 2, 6:30 p.m.
Special Information Meeting on the 2026-2027 proposed Library Budget.
Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 p.m.
Petitions for Trustee candidates must be returned to FPL by this deadline. Ballot positions of candidates will be drawn on Tuesday, March 10 at 5 p.m. by the Election Clerk. Slate of candidates will be posted on www.floridapubliclibrary.org and in the library.
Absentee ballots can be mailed once order of names on ballot has been determined.
Monday, March 16, 5:00 p.m.
Candidates submit completed Bio/Questionnaire to the Library by this date.
Wednesday, March 25, 3:00 p.m.
Voters who wish to register at Florida Union Free School District must do so by 3 p.m.
Thursday, April 2, 8:00 p.m.
Deadline to submit an application for an Absentee Ballot if the Ballot is to be mailed to the voter.
Wednesday, April 8, 5:00 p.m.
Deadline to submit an application for an Absentee Ballot if the Ballot is to be obtained personally by the voter.
Thursday, April 9
Election Day at the Library. Polls open at 9 a.m.
Absentee Ballots must be received by 5 p.m.
Polls close at 8 p.m.
Paper ballots are counted by election inspectors.
Winning candidate(s) will be notified by the FPL Election Clerk.
Click HERE for the Annual Report to the Community
Click HERE for the Sample Ballot
Click HERE for the Petition for the Nomination of a Trustee
Click HERE to see the 2026 – 2027 Proposed Budget
Click HERE to see the 2026 Legal Notice
Click HERE to see the 2026 Board of Trustees Candidate Q&A
Click HERE to see the 2026 Tax Rate Info
March 24, 2026 – Press Release
Florida Public Library Vote on April 9
Residents of the Florida Public Library district will go to the polls on Thursday, April 9 for the library's annual budget vote and trustee election. All registered voters in the Florida Union Free School District are eligible to vote. The vote will take place at the library from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Applications for absentee ballots are available at the front desk or on the library's website at www.floridapubliclibrary.org.
The ballot will contain two propositions, one for the library's proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and one for the election of one trustee to the board. A tax levy of $545,181 is offered for voters' approval. This represents an increase of 2.41% or a total of $13,124. Estimated tax rates are $6.536626 per $1,000 of assessed value (an increase of $0.16) for the Town of Warwick and $1.425882 per $1,000 of assessed value (an increase of $0.04) for the Town of Goshen.
There is one candidate running for the open seat on the library board. Alison Harter is on the ballot. The seat is for a full 3-year term commencing July 1.
Alison, who has lived in the community for 38 years, describes Florida as more than just her hometown—it is where she built her life. "My husband and I both grew up here and went through the school system," she said. "Now, as a mother of two, I feel fortunate to be raising my children in the same community that shaped us."
"The library has always been a special place for my family," she added. "I remember going weekly as a child when it was located in the basement, and even during its time in the trailer. Now, I bring my own children several times a week—it's still their favorite place to be."
Alison is a fourth-grade teacher in the Cornwall Central School District, where she has spent the past 18 years teaching second, third, and fourth grades. She holds a master's degree in Literacy; a background she believes will be an asset to the library board. "My experience in education gives me insight into the evolving needs of students and families, especially when it comes to literacy and educational technology," she noted. In addition to her work in the classroom, Harter is actively involved in the community. She is a member of the Golden Hill PTA and serves as Pack Leader for the Florida Cub Scouts, roles that have strengthened her leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
She points to the welcoming atmosphere and accessibility of the library as its greatest strengths. "You're always greeted with smiles and joy," Harter said. "In a world where so much comes at a cost, it's incredible to have a place where everything is free—books, programs, and even the Library of Things. It gives kids a space where their creativity can really shine."
In addition to the vote, FPL will also feature several special programs on Election Day. At 11 a.m., join Miss Nicole for a special Unicorn inspired musical Storytime for toddlers and preschoolers! Starting at 1 p.m. Librarian Barron Angell will present his Understanding Technology class and wrapping up the day, local musician Alex Prizgintas brings the unique sound of his amplified cello back to the Library with his Jazz Ambassadors concert. Patrons of all ages are invited to join us for the program which begins at 6:30 p.m.
The library is located at 4 Cohen Circle behind Village Hall. For more information on the election or programs, please call (845) 651-7659 or visit the library's website at www.floridapubliclibrary.org.
February 24, 2026 – Press Release
Florida Public Library 2026 Annual Vote & Trustee Election
The Florida Public Library's annual budget vote and trustee election will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the library at 4 Cohen Circle, Florida. The library is a school district public library, sharing the same geographical boundaries as the Florida Union Free School District.
Included on the ballot will be a proposition for the library's operating budget and the election of one trustee for three-year terms commencing July 1. The 2026-2027 proposed tax levy for voters' approval is $545,181 which represents an increase of $13,124 over the current year. Copies of the budget are available in the library and a special information meeting on the budget will be held on Monday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Petitions for candidates interested in placing their names on the ballot are now available at the Library and must be returned by 5 p.m. on March 10. Qualified candidates must be 18 years of age and residents of the Florida Union Free School District. For more information on the volunteer position of the trustee, please contact director Meg Sgombick or consult the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State which can be found in the library's reference collection.
Voter registration forms are available in the library now and absentee ballot applications will be available on February 23. Eligible voters must be registered either with the school or with the county Board of Elections for the general election. For more information on the vote, visit the library any time, call 845-651-7659, or visit www.floridapubliclibrary.org. Library hours are: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 12 noon – 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Election Day: April 9 from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Florida Public Library
Push this button to go to the New York State Board of Elections Voter Registration page. There you will find options for registration including online and printed registration forms. It is also possible to register at the Florida Union Free School District offices up until March 25 at 3 p.m., which allows you to vote only in School District elections, including the Florida Public Library vote.
Push this button to open up an Application for an Absentee Ballot that you can print, fill out and bring to the library. Please note deadlines in the timeline below.
FPL Timeline for 2026 Annual Vote & Trustee Election
Monday, February 16
Copy of Proposed Budget available.
Monday, February 23, 10:00 a.m.
Petitions for Trustee candidates to get on the April 9th ballot are available at FPL. (25 signatures are required to secure a place on the ballot. Candidates are advised to get extra signatures in case some are not accepted.)
Applications for Absentee Ballots will be available. Note: Absentee Ballots will be mailed to all voters regularly receiving them per Orange County Board of Elections' list.
Monday, March 2, 6:30 p.m.
Special Information Meeting on the 2026-2027 proposed Library Budget.
Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 p.m.
Petitions for Trustee candidates must be returned to FPL by this deadline. Ballot positions of candidates will be drawn on Tuesday, March 10 at 5 p.m. by the Election Clerk. Slate of candidates will be posted on www.floridapubliclibrary.org and in the library.
Absentee ballots can be mailed once order of names on ballot has been determined.
Monday, March 16, 5:00 p.m.
Candidates submit completed Bio/Questionnaire to the Library by this date.
Wednesday, March 25, 3:00 p.m.
Voters who wish to register at Florida Union Free School District must do so by 3 p.m.
Thursday, April 2, 8:00 p.m.
Deadline to submit an application for an Absentee Ballot if the Ballot is to be mailed to the voter.
Wednesday, April 8, 5:00 p.m.
Deadline to submit an application for an Absentee Ballot if the Ballot is to be obtained personally by the voter.
Thursday, April 9
Election Day at the Library. Polls open at 9 a.m.
Absentee Ballots must be received by 5 p.m.
Polls close at 8 p.m.
Paper ballots are counted by election inspectors.
Winning candidate(s) will be notified by the FPL Election Clerk.
Click HERE for the Annual Report to the Community
Click HERE for the Sample Ballot
Click HERE for the Petition for the Nomination of a Trustee
Click HERE to see the 2026 – 2027 Proposed Budget
Click HERE to see the 2026 Legal Notice
Click HERE to see the 2026 Board of Trustees Candidate Q&A
Click HERE to see the 2026 Tax Rate Info
March 24, 2026 – Press Release
Florida Public Library Vote on April 9
Residents of the Florida Public Library district will go to the polls on Thursday, April 9 for the library's annual budget vote and trustee election. All registered voters in the Florida Union Free School District are eligible to vote. The vote will take place at the library from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Applications for absentee ballots are available at the front desk or on the library's website at www.floridapubliclibrary.org.
The ballot will contain two propositions, one for the library's proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and one for the election of one trustee to the board. A tax levy of $545,181 is offered for voters' approval. This represents an increase of 2.41% or a total of $13,124. Estimated tax rates are $6.536626 per $1,000 of assessed value (an increase of $0.16) for the Town of Warwick and $1.425882 per $1,000 of assessed value (an increase of $0.04) for the Town of Goshen.
There is one candidate running for the open seat on the library board. Alison Harter is on the ballot. The seat is for a full 3-year term commencing July 1.
Alison, who has lived in the community for 38 years, describes Florida as more than just her hometown—it is where she built her life. "My husband and I both grew up here and went through the school system," she said. "Now, as a mother of two, I feel fortunate to be raising my children in the same community that shaped us."
"The library has always been a special place for my family," she added. "I remember going weekly as a child when it was located in the basement, and even during its time in the trailer. Now, I bring my own children several times a week—it's still their favorite place to be."
Alison is a fourth-grade teacher in the Cornwall Central School District, where she has spent the past 18 years teaching second, third, and fourth grades. She holds a master's degree in Literacy; a background she believes will be an asset to the library board. "My experience in education gives me insight into the evolving needs of students and families, especially when it comes to literacy and educational technology," she noted. In addition to her work in the classroom, Harter is actively involved in the community. She is a member of the Golden Hill PTA and serves as Pack Leader for the Florida Cub Scouts, roles that have strengthened her leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
She points to the welcoming atmosphere and accessibility of the library as its greatest strengths. "You're always greeted with smiles and joy," Harter said. "In a world where so much comes at a cost, it's incredible to have a place where everything is free—books, programs, and even the Library of Things. It gives kids a space where their creativity can really shine."
In addition to the vote, FPL will also feature several special programs on Election Day. At 11 a.m., join Miss Nicole for a special Unicorn inspired musical Storytime for toddlers and preschoolers! Starting at 1 p.m. Librarian Barron Angell will present his Understanding Technology class and wrapping up the day, local musician Alex Prizgintas brings the unique sound of his amplified cello back to the Library with his Jazz Ambassadors concert. Patrons of all ages are invited to join us for the program which begins at 6:30 p.m.
The library is located at 4 Cohen Circle behind Village Hall. For more information on the election or programs, please call (845) 651-7659 or visit the library's website at www.floridapubliclibrary.org.
February 24, 2026 – Press Release
Florida Public Library 2026 Annual Vote & Trustee Election
The Florida Public Library's annual budget vote and trustee election will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the library at 4 Cohen Circle, Florida. The library is a school district public library, sharing the same geographical boundaries as the Florida Union Free School District.
Included on the ballot will be a proposition for the library's operating budget and the election of one trustee for three-year terms commencing July 1. The 2026-2027 proposed tax levy for voters' approval is $545,181 which represents an increase of $13,124 over the current year. Copies of the budget are available in the library and a special information meeting on the budget will be held on Monday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Petitions for candidates interested in placing their names on the ballot are now available at the Library and must be returned by 5 p.m. on March 10. Qualified candidates must be 18 years of age and residents of the Florida Union Free School District. For more information on the volunteer position of the trustee, please contact director Meg Sgombick or consult the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State which can be found in the library's reference collection.
Voter registration forms are available in the library now and absentee ballot applications will be available on February 23. Eligible voters must be registered either with the school or with the county Board of Elections for the general election. For more information on the vote, visit the library any time, call 845-651-7659, or visit www.floridapubliclibrary.org. Library hours are: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 12 noon – 5 p.m. on Sunday.