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The midterm elections are here and a large voter turnout is expected in Monroe County.
The Monroe County Board of Elections reported that as of 8 p.m., some 59 percent of registered voters had cast their ballots, up from 43 percent in 2014 and 49 percent in 2010 midterm elections. More than 17,500 votes had been registered as of 8 p.m.
Officials from the BOE say 3,000 more people have registered to vote than in 2016, and say turnout could be as much as 65% of the county. With that in mind, here's four things voters should know before hitting the poles Tuesday.
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Not sure of your polling location? Visit the Monroe County Board of Election's website, or call the office at 585-753-1550.
Keep in mind, if there's a large turnout, voters might be required to wait before casting their ballots. The Board of Elections say polling places will be staffed at levels similar to a presidential election year but voters are urged to go the polls in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon if possible. Early morning, lunchtime and after work will be the busiest times for voting.
What do I need to vote?
If you've properly registered with your driver's license number and the last four of your social security number: nothing! You'll just sign a book, have your signature verified, and be on your way.
If your voter registration is missing this information, or you are unsure, you can bring those forms of identification to be safe.
How can I vote if I don't have a car?
Luckily there are many resources available to those without a means of getting to the polls themselves.
Both the Monroe County Democrats and Monroe County Republicans are offering free rides to the polls; their numbers are 585-434-1620 and 585-546-8040 respectively.
The local chapter of the Black Trade Unionists are also offering riding to the polls and can be reached at 585-328-2250.
Ride-sharing companies are also getting in on the Election Day spirit. Uber is offering $10 off with promo code VOTE2018. Make sure you have the most recent version of the app, and enter the promotional code in their payment section. Also make sure you have the cheapest ride option selected for the promotion to apply.
Lyft says they're giving up to 50% off for rides to the polls. Just go here and enter your zip code for a promo code that can be entered in their app.
But buyer beware, these codes do not have anything to do with getting a ride back from the polls.
Where can I go to learn more about my candidates?
Spectrum News has everything you need to do any last minute research about your candidates. Check out our 2018 Voter Decision Guide! And of course, stay with us Tuesday for the latest in election coverage.