Polls open for early voting across New York state on Saturday.
Turnout is expected to be higher than in years past, and that means more security.
This presidential election year has had its volatile moments, including two assassination attempts on candidate Donald Trump.
The Department of Homeland Security says polling places could be targets of threats by extremists. And law enforcement is aware.
“Every deputy knows their patrol district very well, and they know the polling sites inside that patrol district," Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Brendan Hurley said. "With that being said, we try not to be seen. We try not to hover in those areas because we don't want to influence or cause any kind of disruption. But we know where those places are, where those sites are. And if a job comes in, they know to respond quickly, to try to make sure that people can exercise their constitutional rights.”
Hurley says most of the calls law enforcement responds to at polling sites have to do with disturbances over people not following rules, like wearing clothing supporting or denigrating one candidate or another.
Generally, they are minor calls that involve some de-escalation.
However, the FBI explains that states have the primary responsibility for the administration of federal elections and that federal departments and agencies work to:
- Assist states in protecting the security of our voting systems and related infrastructure
- Protect the right to vote
- Address unlawful threats of violence and physical harm against election officials and workers
- And other issues related to foreign interference and election fraud
Hurley offers this advice.
"Get out there, exercise your right, cast your vote [and] have your voice be heard, but do it safely and respect other people's rights," he said.
And election workers ask for your patience.