Government
New state law changes local election years to align with federal and state elections after 2025
The transition to even-numbered years for local elections will mean shorter terms for local officials elected in 2025 and 2027 and creates issues with Riverhead Town's term-limits code. Some officials worry local issues will be 'drowned out' in even-numbered years.
Editorial
Now’s our chance to say thanks to volunteer firefighters — and it’s in our own self interest
Anything we can do as a community to promote volunteer recruitment and retention is worth the effort and expense. The alternative to a volunteer fire department is exponentially more costly.
Board of Education
Upcoming school district election will fill four vacancies on school board, following resignation of board VP this week
The upcoming school district election will fill four open seats on the Riverhead Board of Education: three positions that will be vacant at the end of the school year as a result of the expiration of terms of office and a fourth seat that became vacant when board member Laurie Downs resigned this week.
Editorial
Election integrity matters — and it starts with the integrity of the people seeking our votes
Election integrity matters — and it begins with the integrity of people seeking our votes. The election of George Santos is a debacle that should not have happened. Can it happen here? We take a hard look at what the local press must do to make sure it never does.
News
Early voting starts Saturday in Suffolk County
Early voting in the Nov. 8 general election will get underway in Suffolk County on Saturday and continue daily through Sunday Nov. 6. Here are the locations, dates and times.
Editorial
Democracy on the edge: The future is up to you
Whatever excuse you’ve had in the past for not voting isn’t good enough in these times. Without participation by eligible voters, we won’t have representative government any more. It’s that simple.
News
New York’s high court throws out Democrats’ redistricting maps
The New York State Court of Appeals today struck down redistricting maps passed by the state legislature’s Democratic majority and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul that would have given Democrats a strong chance to flip New York State’s first congressional district blue in this November’s election.
Government
Redistricting maps, poised to give Democrats 2022 election advantage, signed into law
Congressional and State legislative redistricting maps for New York State were signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul last night, solidifying election boundaries for November that could help Democrats flip districts across the state and on the East End.
Government
Proposed redistricting map would shake up East End’s state representation
A proposed redistricting map expected to be approved by the New York State Legislature as soon as today would separate Riverhead Town from the rest of the East End in the State Assembly and put Southold Town in the First Assembly District with the the South Fork and Shelter Island.
Government
New county legislator for Flanders-Riverside area under bitterly disputed county redistricting plan
Residents of Flanders, Riverside and Northampton will find themselves in a new county legislative district next year, if a redistricting plan being advanced by the legislature’s current majority caucus wins final approval. Republicans in the legislature have sued to block the Democrats' effort, which they call a last-minute power grab before a new Republican majority takes control in January.