Voter Information

2026-2027 Voting and Elections Information

PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING

The Gowanda Central School District Board of Education will host a 2026–2027 Public Budget Hearing on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

BUDGET & BOE ELECTION VOTE

Eligible voters are invited to vote on the Annual Budget and Board of Education Election on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

VOTER REGISTRATION

Qualified voters of the District shall be entitled to vote at such annual vote and election. A qualified voter is one who is (1) a citizen of the United States of America, (2) eighteen years of age or older, and (3) resident within the District for a period of thirty (30) days next preceding the annual vote and election. The School District may require all persons offering to vote at the budget vote and election to provide one form of proof of residency pursuant to Education Law §2018-c. Such form may include a driver’s license, a non-driver identification card, a utility bill, or a voter registration card. Upon offer of proof of residency, the District may also require all persons offering to vote to provide their signature, printed name and address.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Applications for absentee ballots are available from the District Clerk and you can also download the 2026-2027 PDF application by clicking this link. Special regulations govern absentee ballots. Call 716-532-3325, ext. 6300 for information.

RUNNING FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

There are currently two (2) positions to be filled for three-year terms commencing July 1, 2026. Candidates must meet the following legal requirements:

Must be able to read and write.
Must be a US Citizen and a qualified voter of the district.
Must be a resident of the district for at least one year prior to the election.
May not reside with another member of the same school board as a family member.
May not be a current employee of the school board.

Important Candidate Deadlines

Petitions Due: Monday, April 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM. Petitions must contain at least 25 signatures from qualified voters.
Ballot Position Drawing: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the District Clerk’s Office.
Campaign Expenditure Statements: Candidates must file three separate statements:
- First Statement: Due Monday, April 20, 2026
- Second Statement: Due Thursday, May 14, 2026
- Third Statement: Due Monday, June 8, 2026