PODCAST · news
Commissioner in a Car
by Dustin M Czarny
A weekly discussion around elections in Onondaga County and New York State. Hosted by NYS Elections Commissioner Democratic Caucus Chair and Onondaga County Elections Commissioner (D) Dustin M. Czarny.
Episodes
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Commissioner in a Car: Everything You Need to Know About Mail Voting
In this week's episode I go over everything you need ton know about mail in balloting. How to apply, how to turn in your ballot, and how to check the status of your ballot. Don't wait, apply for a mail ballot today if you need one. Go to onvote.net.
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Commissioner in a Car: How to Check or Update your Registration or Register New Online.
In this week's episode I talk about the tools we have at onvote.net to help you check your voter registration online. I also go over how to update or register to vote for the first time, online as well. 29 days till Election Day. Enjoy!
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Commissioner in a Car: The Ballots are coming! Bigger and Better than ever!
This week I show off what the ballots look like in Onondaga County, Why we at Onondaga County Board of Elections went to a 22" ballot this year. Also why some resolutions on the back are in a second columns and some aren't I also address briefly the news from Friday on the OCL 16 ongoing ballot...
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Commissioner in a Car: The Resolutions on the Ballot in 2026
In this week's episode I talk about the resolutions that will appear on the ballot this fall. Not only do we have the dueling term limit resolutions, we have term extensions in Dewitt & Fabius as well as a Full Time Ambulance resolution in Lafayette. Enjoy!
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Commissioner in a Car: NYSECA Summer Conference Wrap-Up
This week I was at the Summer NYS Elections Commissioner Association conference. I talk about what we did there and how these associations form. I also talk about the election of officers including my own re-election as Caucus Chair, which is different than my election this fall as elections...
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Commissioner in a Car: The Deal to Place Term Limits On the Ballot in 2026.
In this week's episode I talk about the deal to put term limits for County Executive and County Comptroller on the ballot. I explain what is in the deal, why there are two propositions (12 and 16 year terms), why it had to go to court to get this deal, and why I decided to settle the court case…
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Commissioner in a Car: One Court Case Down, One to Go!
In this episode I talk about the resolution of the court case in the Democratic Primary for Onondaga County Legislature district 16 Democratic Primary which had a final hearing on Friday. I talk about the path forward to get our Democratic nominee in this race. I also briefly talk about the term...
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Commissioner in a Car: Let's do the Party Roll
Party registrations have been frozen since February 14th.. We processed over 2k changes in Onondaga County yesterday! I break down who benefited and who didn't. I also give a brief update on how new registrations are going as well. Check it out!
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Commissioner in the Car: One Race Done, Three Headed to Hand Count
After today's final canvass and scan we were able to come to a projected winner in the AD 129 primary. However County Legislature 16 and Geddes 4 Democratic Committee and Pompey 6 Republican committee are headed to a hand count. I lay out whats next
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Commissioner in a Car: Primary Update special including what's next for AD 129
I wrap up primary night. I talk about what is left in the race for Assembly District 129, how we will get to a final count, what happened at the end of polling with White Branch Library, and I briefly address the reports of an ICE agent and Onondaga County poll site. Enjoy.
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Commissioner in a Car: Primary Day Primer
Today we are running two elections in one day! The North Syracuse village election with polls open from noon to 9pm. And #EarlyVoting For the June 23rd primary is also underway. I talk about how both came to be run in the same room in the North Syracuse Community Center on the same day and how we...
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Commissioner in a Car. Two Elections in One Day.
Today we are running two elections in one day! The North Syracuse village election with polls open from noon to 9pm. And #EarlyVoting For the June 23rd primary is also underway. I talk about how both came to be run in the same room in the North Syracuse Community Center on the same day and how we...
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Commissioner in the Car: Golden Day is Saturday
This week's episode I talk about Golden Day. The second most important day in nan Election cycle. This Saturday is the first day of Early Voting, the last day to register to vote, and the last day to request a vote by mail ballot be mailed to you for the June 23rd Primary. Learn all about how we...
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Commissioner in a Car: Early voting Sites and Pre-clearance
This week's episode I talk about the final release of Early voting sites. Why we have grown from 6 to 8 Early voting EV sites, the 10 General Election EV sites. I also talk about the role Pre Clearance with the New York Voting Rights Act played and why Onondaga County is on the list. Enjoy.
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Commissioner in a Car: Independent Nominating Petitions.
In this week's edition I am back in my own car! But more importantly it is the last day of Independent Nominating Petitions. I go over what this means and why it isn't so independent after all. However it is part of the weave of creating our general election ballot. Also CIAC will now be on...
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Commissioner in a Car: Check Your Mail!
On this week's episode I talk about two major pieces of mail coming to voters across Onondaga County. The Annual Mail Check Card is already hitting doors. We also have ballots for the June primary going to all Democratic voters in Onondaga County and a few GOP voters in Pompey. Check it out.
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Commissioner in a Car: The Primary is Set
This week's episode I talk about where I have been the last month. I recap the petition process, the objection process and go over the primary ballot in June where Democrats all over Onondaga County have a primary to participate. I also go over my travel representing NY to the U.S. Election...
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Commissioner in the Car: Petitions and Primaries
In this week's episode I talk about the end of the petition season. over 155 petitions and 160 candidates have filed to run in the primary and general elections. I talk about the process and what is next in the petition process. Enjoy.
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Commissioner in a Car: General Election Polling Places are Here!
On this week's episode I talk about the release of the 2026 General Election polling place. I detail why we release them so early and what goes into choosing a polling place. I also detail the very few changes we have from last year and why changes have to be made from time to time. Enjoy.
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Commissioner in a Car: Village elections are coming up but is anyone running?
Today I talk about the village elections happening on Wednesday March 18, 2026. Three villages, Manlius, Marcellus, and Minoa are holding their village elections this year. Why on a Wednesday? Why in March? Why do they have different polling hours? Why do villages get to choose their election…
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Commissioner in a Car: Elections Don't Need a SAVE
This week's episodes focuses on the Save America ACT and what a disaster it would be for NY Elections. I go through it along with the MEGA proposals and possible executive orders as well as address the suspect constitutionality of it all. Enjoy,
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Commissioner in a Car: Petition Season Begins.
This week's episode I talk about the upcoming start of the Designating petition period on Tuesday. I go over how we use designating petitions to get on the ballot, how they create primaries, and what goes into determining minimum signatures. Enjoy.
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Commissioner in a Car: Conventions and Desisignations
In this week's episode I explain the difference between State Conventions and County Designations. The state has direct ballot access while county designees still have to get petitions. This is the first step in determining the ballot each year so I take some time to go over it. Enjoy.
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My Testimony to the NYS Legislature Local Government Budget hearing (2/11/26)
Each year as Democratic Caucus Chair I travel to Albany to give oral testimony on the Governor's proposed executive budget. NYSECA is asking for $35 million for aid to locality funding to support county Board of Elections. Find the full 10 hour day of testimony here:...
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Commissioner in a Car: Fall in Love with Your Party Day.
On this week's episode I talk about the February 14th party change deadline in New York. it falls on Valentine's Day every year and that is why I call it "Fall in Love with Your Party Day", I dive into why this 4.5 month sequester is actually much better than the past and what it means for...
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Commissioner in a Car: A Week of Federal Overreach on Elections
This week I talk about the troubling and alarming developments on the FBI raid on Fulton County Georgia Election offices along with some positive updates blocking unilateral Executive order to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and spurious DOJ subpoenas on Voter Registration rolls. Enjoy.
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Commissioner in a Car: A Tale of Five Vacancies
In this week's episode I talk about the 5 vacancies that have happened in Onondaga County since the November Election. Vacancies in the City of Syracuse Common Council At-Large, Town boards on Marcellus and Pompey, Town Justice in Salina and the removal of a Commissioner of Education in Syracuse...
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Commissioner in a Car: Martin Luther King JR Voting Rights Hero
In this week's episode I try to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on his role as a voting rights champion. I collected a few of my favorite quotes of his and talk about his work in Selma and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I think his story of peaceful non violent but confrontational…
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Commissioner in a Car: NYSECA Winter Conference Wrap Up
This week I focus on the winter conference of the NYS Elections Commissioner Association. Held this last week it is one of our main training opportunities for Lead Election Officials in NY or as we call them, County Election Commissioners. And a special shout out to the Buffalo Bills and Josh…
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Commissioner in a Car: 2026 Village Election Preview
This week I preview village elections. Why some villages have elections in March, June or November and why sometimes the Onondaga County Board of Elections doesn't run these elections. Check it out along with the answer to last week's trivia question! Enjoy.
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Commissioner in a Car: Looking Ahead to 2026
This week's episode I look ahead to the expected races in the 2026 General Election for Onondaga County. I detail how the even year bill will move county legislature and some town races next year. I also highlight some races that I think are pretty important to watch. Also this week's trivia...
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Commissioner in a Car: My Top Stories of 2025
This week I go over mtop stories for 2025. These stoies focus on stories imortant to myself and ones I think the voters of Onondaga County care about. They are:1.) Mayor-Elect Sharon Owens victories.2.) Onondaga County Legislature Democrats take over of the Onondaga County Legislature 3.) The…
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Commissioner in a Car: How we report write-ins and why it takes so long.
In this week's episode I talk about how we record write-ins at the Onondaga County Board of Elections. I talk about why some write ins are invalid and some of the limitations of NY Election Law. I recap a bit about my travel to the Cybersecurity summit as well as my last #weeklywonk and activity…
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Election Cybersecurity Summit Panel
I was a panelist at the Cyber Security Summit hosted by the Brennan Center and Common Cause NY and the Center for Long term Cybersecurity at the NYC Bar Association on December 11, 2025. My panel focused on specific ways County Board of Elections are looking to protect our elections as well as…
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Commissioner in a Car: Let's Talk Manual Recounts
In this week's episode I detail what goes into a manual recount, the results of this week's close contests, and why I think this law is a good thing, but how we can improve it. As always I detail about what is going on at the Onondaga County Board of elections as well.
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Commissioner in a Car: What method did Onondaga County vote by in 2025?
In this week's Commissioner in a Car I talk about what method Onondaga County voters chose to cast their vote this last November. I also detail what the Onondaga County Board of Elections did last week to certify the election. i also talk about how we have to break certification for the hand…
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Commissioner in a Car: What does voter history tell us about 2025?
In this week's episode I talk about how we finished canvassing write ins and affidavits at the Onondaga County Board of Elections. I also talk about what voter history tells us about 2025. Finally I talk about what is to come next week and beyond to finally wrap up the 2025 election.
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Commissioner in a Car: The #Votebymail has been counted so what's next?
In this week's episode I talk about how the Onondaga County Board of Elections finished our vote by Mail and Affidavit counting this week. I touch on why we are still counting 10 days after election Day. I also talk about what's next including write in canvassing and manual recounts. Enjoy.
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Commissioner in a Car: Election Night Recap
While the narrative is all about the anti-trump wave, the reality is candidates are the ones who put us here. This is why Democrats did so well in Onondaga County this last Tuesday. I recap the night ad tell you whats ahead next week.
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Commissioner in a Car: It's Election Eve
Polls are open 6am to 9pm Tuesday November 4, 2025 for the 2025 General Election. I talk about how to find out where to vote, what to do if you still have a vote by mail ballot (mail it in!), court orders, and when results will come out. Call 315 435 VOTE if you have any questions or visit...
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Commissioner in a car: How's the early voting going?
In today's Commissioner in a Car I talk about the stats of #EarlyVoting in Onondaga County over the first 6 days. Who is turning out? Which site are they going to? I also give you all the details to participate over the next few days. Get more info at onvote.net
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Commissioner in a Car: Golden Day is coming
Saturday marks the Golden Day for the 2025 General Electio Season. First Day to #earlyVote, Last day to #registertovote, and last day to request a #votebymail ballot and have it delivered to you before #Electionday. You can request #votebyamail ballots and register to vote at onvote.net by…
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Commissioner in a Car: How to Vote By Mail
This week I change locations and come to you from my home office so i can show you hot to vote by mail. I go over the differences between Early Vote by Mail and Absentee voting as well as how to apply both by mail and online at onvote.net. 20 days left till election day so check it out!
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Commissioner in a Car: Alphabets and Ballots
It has been a couple weeks because I have been traveling. I update you on all my adventures with the alphabet traveling to fort Lauderdale and Washington DC for three different events. And I talk about all the ballots that have been sent out you UOCAVA, vote by mail, and sample ballots. Enjoy
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Commissioner in a Car: Happy National Voter Registration Day!
Today is National Voter Registration Day! This week I leave the car and come to you from my office. I show you how to register to check your registration and how to register to vote at onvote.net. Enjoy.
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Commissioner in a Car: Last stop for Even Year Election Law court case
55 days until election day 2025! This week's episode I talk about the Even Year Election Law having its last day in court at the NYS Appeals Court. I briefly explain how we got here, why it is the last stop, and what some of the arguments are. I even give an example from our own county on how...
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Commissioner in a Car: The General Election is here
In this week's episode I talk about how we are finally in the general Election season, and overview how we got here. I also list some important dates coming up for General Election 2025, recap the NYSECA Summer Conference, and touch on touch on Trump's threat of an EO on Voter ID as well as...
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Commissioner in a Car 🚗: No, Trump can't outlaw Mail Balloting ...but he will try.
In this week's episode I once again have to talk about national politics since President trump made an egregious threat to mail voting throughout the country. I talk about why i believe any pending EO is DOA, as well combat some of the lies spread by the President regarding mail voting. Enjoy.
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Commissioner in a Car: The Redistricting Wars are Here.
In this week's episode I tackle the redistricting wars that are brewing in the United states. How New York will become a part of them. I also address the blatant hypocrisy of Elise Stefanik & the NY GOP both in their silence over what is happening in Texas and past actions here in NY. Enjoy.
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Commissioner in a car: Where have I been?
I am back after a brief hiatus as the summer doldrums have settled in. I talk about the EAC regional meeting, last week of caucus certifications, and yes, of course, the village of Liverpool. I also look ahead to August and the final layers of the General Election come into view. Enjoy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Commissioner in a Car have?
Commissioner in a Car currently has 542 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Commissioner in a Car about?
A weekly discussion around elections in Onondaga County and New York State. Hosted by NYS Elections Commissioner Democratic Caucus Chair and Onondaga County Elections Commissioner (D) Dustin M. Czarny.
How often does Commissioner in a Car release new episodes?
Commissioner in a Car releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 542 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Commissioner in a Car?
You can listen to Commissioner in a Car on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Commissioner in a Car?
Commissioner in a Car is created and hosted by Dustin M Czarny.
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