Podcast
Commissioner in a Car
Hosted by Dustin M Czarny · EN
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.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Commissioner in a Car: Check Your Mail!
1w ago00:19:07Tap to summarizeOn 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.
Transcribe →Commissioner in a Car: The Primary is Set
2w ago00:19:23Tap to summarizeThis 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 Assistance Commission and Project for Election Infrastructure. Enjoy.
Transcribe →Commissioner in the Car: Petitions and Primaries
Apr 800:19:14Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Commissioner in a Car: General Election Polling Places are Here!
Mar 1700:28:27Tap to summarizeOn 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.
Transcribe →Commissioner in a Car: Village elections are coming up but is anyone running?
Mar 900:28:06Tap to summarizeToday 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 days and how can it be changed? The answer to those questions and more in this week's episode. Enjoy.
Transcribe →Commissioner in a Car: Elections Don't Need a SAVE
Mar 100:48:33Tap to summarizeThis 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,
Transcribe →Commissioner in a Car: Petition Season Begins.
Feb 2300:25:25Tap to summarizeThis 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.
Transcribe →Commissioner in a Car: Conventions and Desisignations
Feb 1800:21:17Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →My Testimony to the NYS Legislature Local Government Budget hearing (2/11/26)
Feb 1500:42:09Tap to summarizeEach 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:https://www.nysenate.gov/calendar/public-hearings/february-11-2026/joint-legislative-public-hearing-2026-executive-budgetFind my written testimony here:https://dustinczarny.com/2026/02/15/my-testimony-to-the-nys-legislature-local-government-budget-hearing-2-11-26/
Transcribe →Commissioner in a Car: Fall in Love with Your Party Day.
Feb 800:23:29Tap to summarizeOn 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 petitions and primaries.
Transcribe →