Early voting in Onondaga County kicked off smoothly over the weekend and is now underway through Halloween. The Democratic and Republican County Board of Elections Commissioners say things have been working just fine at polling stations. Dustin Czarny says early voting offers flexibility of going to vote when it’s convenient. He adds it also gives people a second chance, even if they’ve already voted by absentee.
“Anytime you want to cast your vote in person, you can do so and we will pull your absentee. So, if you’re not sure and you want to send in that absentee but, want to change your mind later, that’s still allowed.”
Czarny says to date the County Board of Elections has already received more absentees at this point than the total amount collected in 2019. He points out that every town has elections for the respective leadership this year, in addition to the Syracuse Mayoral race, 17 County Legislature races and State elected positions. Republican Elections Commissioner Michelle Sardo is also pleased with how early voting is going so far and feels representation in government begins at the local level.
“Local years are very important, cause these local candidates and your elected officials in local years are the ones that go out your Senators, your Congressmen and your Assembly. Those are the ones that are helping you and supporting you as a voter.”
Sardo believes that new voters who signed up to vote for the Presidential Election last year are committed to remain active voters. A reminder that while voters can vote at any of the early voting sites, they must go to their assigned polling place if they choose to cast their votes on Election Day. Assigned polling information can be looked up at OnVote.net or by calling the County Board of Elections at (315) 435-8683.
