Onondaga County (NCC News) – Early in-person voting in Central New York began this past Saturday, Oct. 24 and a record number of voters came out to do so.
This year, voting was different than in the past for several reasons. This is the first presidential election where residents in New York can vote early. Many residents are happy with this and even wish every election was like this.
“Tuesday [Election Day] is on a weekday, and some of us would prefer to do it over the weekend because we work during the week,” Onondaga County resident Bradley Gorham said.
Early voting has allowed many more people to come out to vote on their own schedule.
As for the long lines many encountered at their polling sites, residents said it didn’t matter to them as long as they got to vote.
“I had to wait in line at least 45 minutes, but everyone seemed very patient and seemed to be in good spirits,” Gorham said.
Onondaga polling sites will open two hours earlier this weekend to handle the lines of people. This will help prevent anyone from waiting in line for too long.
Another concern many had for in-person voting this year was safety precautions in the age of COVID-19. Central New York residents had nothing but good things to say about how the poll workers handled this issue.
“They were very, very good. Making sure we were all standing the appropriate distance apart and using hand sanitizer and cleaning everything in between each person. I was really impressed,” Syracuse resident Jackie Patterson, said.
Likewise, others said they witnessed similar precautions being taken at different polling sites around Central New York.
With all of this being said, one thing remained the same about voting polling sites. It is a place when people can see familiar faces and can catch up with neighbors, family, friends and more.
“I went with a friend, and we saw other friends- it was nice you know, just fun to be there,” Kristi Andersen said. “I know the people who work at the polls. … I can walk there if I want.”
Early in-person voting will continue until Nov. 1. Election day is next Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Here is the link for where you can find your local polling site in Onondaga County,
