FAQ regarding election of fire district commissioner 2026

In the Chautauqua Fire District #1 there are five commissioners -- two represent Area 1 (inside the Chautauqua Institution grounds), two represent Area 2 (the rest of the 17 square mile district outside of Chautauqua Institution) and one seat represents both Areas 1 & 2.

In 2026, an Area 1 seat is up for election.

 Any person who meets the following requirements may vote in the election for Area 1 of Chautauqua Fire District #1 (within Chautauqua Institution):

• Is a United States citizen
• Is at least 18 years of age
• Is either:
  • A registered voter residing within Area 1 of the district, or
  • An owner of taxable real property within Area 1 of the district, or
  • A designated corporate officer of a corporation that owns taxable real property within Area 1 of the district

Individuals voting based on ownership of taxable real property must have their name listed on the most recent assessment roll of the Town of Chautauqua and appear on the Chautauqua Fire District voter register. (Even if you are a registered voter, you specifically need to register with our district to vote in this election. If you have registered with us in previous years, you are all set.)

A corporate officer may vote on behalf of a corporation that owns taxable real property within Area 1 if:

• The corporation’s ownership appears on the most recent assessment roll of the Town of Chautauqua
• The officer’s name appears on the Fire District voter register
• The officer provides the election inspectors with a written designation, certified by the corporation’s Secretary or Assistant Secretary, authorizing that officer to vote on behalf of the corporation

Voters are encouraged to confirm their eligibility, registration status, and district information prior to Election Day. We will hold a night for registration at the fire hall in July.

 A Fire District Commissioner is an elected public official responsible for overseeing the operations, finances, and long-term planning of a fire district. In New York State, fire districts are independent local governments created under New York Town Law to provide fire protection and emergency response services to residents within the district.

Commissioners serve as the governing board of the fire district and act on behalf of taxpayers and residents to ensure that fire protection services are delivered safely, effectively, and responsibly.

Official election notices will be posted on this website, the Town of Chautauqua website, The Chautauquan Daily, and in the Post Journal Newspaper. It will also be on the Town of Chautauqua public bulletin board at 2 Academy St. in Mayville.

Candidate information will be available in late July (letters to run are due July 14th) and will be listed here on the website at the bottom of this page.

Commissioners are responsible for ensuring that firefighters and emergency responders have the equipment, facilities, training, and financial support necessary to protect the public. This includes long-range planning for apparatus replacement, station improvements, communications systems, and emergency preparedness.

The Board also works closely with the fire department leadership while maintaining oversight responsibilities on behalf of district residents.

The fire district is the local government entity responsible for funding, facilities, equipment, and administration. The fire department is the operational volunteer organization that provides firefighting and emergency response services.  The Board of Fire Commissioners oversees the district, while the fire department leadership manages day-to-day emergency operations and volunteer member activities. Together, these separate but closely coordinated organizations ensure the resources, personnel, and leadership needed to deliver effective emergency services.