Vote like hell: Your guide to Nov. 5th

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Happy Tuesday, Capital District! Today, we’re making sure you’re prepared for the big day on Nov. 5th—the deadline for voter registration is fast approaching. Plus, check out the uber-chic chalet for Home of the Week ⛷️ 

Let’s get out and vote like hell! 🇺🇲 

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

Get out and vote like your life depends on it

You’ve heard it before—this is the most important election of our lifetimes. It’s true, because every election is as important as the last.

As an immigrant (this is Phat speaking) from a Communist country who became an American citizen, it’s impossible for me to go into the voting booth and not feel a bit emotional by the privilege and opportunity to make my own choices. It’s the same swelling in the chest I get when I stand up to hear the national anthem at a game or event. Every time.

So, yes, it is the most important election of our lifetime. Here’s how to make sure your vote gets counted:

Start with the Vote411 website, which is an excellent resource for all of your voting questions and answers. You can also go to the NYS Board of Elections site.

Of course, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5th. The last day to register to vote in NYS is Oct. 26. You can register online. Early voting begins on the same day and ends Nov. 3rd.

Please, please register to vote if you haven’t already done so. You can check your status and also find your voting location here. You can also preview your ballot here.

You can vote early by mail, but it must be postmarked by Nov. 5. To vote by absentee ballot, you must have a qualified reason for not being able to appear at the polls.

If you’ve voted before in New York, you do not need to bring your ID to vote. If you’re a first-time voter, you may be asked for an ID or proof of residency (like a utility bill).

Although some people like voting by mail, I always go into the voting booth on Election Day. It’s a beautiful thing to watch the democratic process in action. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.

🌞 WEATHER WATCH

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💀 Schenectady is borrowing from the highly successful Albany Twilight Market by starting up its own night market. On Oct. 19, the cleverly named Nightmare on Jay Street will showcase strange and spooky artwork, crafts and other items with a weird vibe. [Times Union]

🥖 The community in Scotia is coming together to support the Nibble Nosh Bakery after a break-in last week. The broken glass on the front door was fixed within hours, and customers have been flooding the family-owned bakery with orders. [News10]

🚗 The Way We Were Car Show, postponed due to weather, will now take place this Sunday. Up to 400 vintage cars are expected for Ballston Spa’s annual automotive event. [WNYT]

Don’t just obsess over cabin porn, live it. This week, we’re preparing for winter with a dreamy, uber-chic black chalet in the Coronel's Chair neighborhood of Hunter, NY. This magazine-ready home is a 5-minute drive from Hunter Mountain and tastefully renovated with tall wood-paneled ceilings, skylights, a wood-burning fireplace, and large windows with stunning mountain and water views. The wraparound porch is just calling for cozy gatherings under starry nights with your favorite people. The outdoor space flows into a hilltop yard with two fire pits, plus there’s a matching shed that could serve as an office or studio space for deep work. Make this dream real, folks.

The deets: 3 bd, 1 ba, 924 sf. Asking: $525,000. Days on market: 6. See the full listing here.

🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENING

Note: Our full weekend roundup publishes on Thursdays. Check your inboxes!

🍸️ Two of the Capital Region’s favorite museums are putting on evening events this month—a growing trend we’re loving. On Friday night, the New York State Museum hosts Drink Albany, a pop-up craft beverage tasting and market. We wrote about it last week. On Oct. 25, miSci invites you to miSpooky Science, an adults-only Halloween party featuring costumes, themed drinks, street tacos and planetarium shows.

🐕️ Hounds of Halloween returns to downtown Albany on Saturday. It’s free to watch the costumed pups, but $20 to enter the costume contest with your doggie.

🥣 October seems like the month for tasting events. On Saturday, the 14th annual Mac-N-Cheese Bowl takes over five blocks of historic Remsen Street in Cohoes, rain or shine. Btw, here are the winners of Troy’s Chowderfest from this past weekend.

👩‍⚕️ The Boomers and Seniors Expo & Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday is your chance to meet with a multitude of providers and caretakers, and browse wellness products designed for the aging population. Colonie Center on Wolf Road.

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