New Yorkers began heading out to the polls Saturday morning to cast their votes in the early voting period for the general election.
“It's a wonderful opportunity for individuals to be able to participate on a schedule that works for them,” Democratic Commissioner of Monroe County Jackie Ortiz said. “So over the next nine days, we'll have 14 locations across Monroe County throughout different times of the day. Really, it's an opportunity for convenience.”
Select polling places will be open for early votes across the state until Nov. 6, including the following locations:
- David F. Gantt Community Center – 700 North St, Rochester, NY 14605
- Boys and Girls Club – 500 Genesee St, Rochester, NY 14611
- Sibley Square – 250 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604
- Edgerton Recreation Center – 41 Backus St, Rochester, NY 14608
- Norton Village Recreation Center – 350 Waring Rd, Rochester, NY 14609
- SUNY Empire State College – 680 Westfall Rd, Rochester, NY 14620 (ASL Interpreter at site)
- St. Theodores Church – 168 Spencerport Rd, Rochester, NY 14606
- North Greece Rd. Church of Christ – 1039 N Greece Rd, Rochester, NY 14626
- Henrietta Public Library – 625 Calkins Rd, Rochester, NY 14623 (ASL Interpreter at site)
- Irondequoit Public Library – 1290 Titus Ave, Rochester, NY 14617
- Penfield Dolomite Lodge – 1628 Jackson Rd, Penfield, NY 14526
- Perinton Square Mall – 6720 Pittsford Palmyra Rd, Fairport, NY 14450
- Sweden Clarkson Community Center – 4927 Lake Rd, Brockport, NY 14420
- Webster Library – 980 Ridge Rd, Webster, NY 14580
“Many times, you know, although Election Day is a very long day, it still may not necessarily work for some voters,” Ortiz said. “So this is a wonderful opportunity for voters to get out again on their schedule, locations that make sense for them and get things done early.”
Over the next week, voters will cast their ballots in a number of big elections that will shape the future of New York. From contests in the State Assembly, Senate, Congress and the race for governor.
“We have to participate and we have to know who's who is representing us and what they represent and ensure that we're, you know, voting for those who align with our values and everyone has their right to choose,” Ortiz said.
With some areas seeing an uptick in voter turnout, many people say they found the option of early voting the easiest way to vote.
"I don't know if anything can happen before the date of election,” voter David Goodsell said. “I'm also a nursing student, so I don't know if I'm going to have that inability to come to vote. And I just want to make sure that my vote is going to be cast.”
Voters should double-check their polling locations before heading out to cast their ballots.
“Oh, just get out and vote,” voter Julia Pilat said. “It is your responsibility as an American citizen to vote. Take it seriously. It matters.”