Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Early voting began on Oct. 26 in New York, giving voters the chance to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Early voting helps accommodate those who cannot vote on Election Day due to work, family obligations, or travel. The nine-day early voting period, which ends Sunday, ensures that more New Yorkers have the opportunity to participate.
In West Hempstead, early voting began at the West Hempstead Public Library. The lines were long, which helped explain why members of the library staff were not available to comment on the process.
Stanley Moorer, 65, who spoke with the Herald that Saturday, has voted in general elections for more than 40 years, and emphasized the issues driving his vote this year. “The cost of housing, medical coverage, and women’s rights are things I really want to see changed with this election,” Moorer said.
Brian Kellogg, 32, said he appreciated the flexibility early voting provides. “People work and have busy lives,” he said. “It’s just good to be able to vote ahead of time.”
In Malverne, which does not have a polling site, residents cast their ballots in neighboring locations, including West Hempstead, Rockville Centre and Valley Stream.
Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan highlighted local concerns this election, particularly the cost of living, spiking interest rates and housing costs.
“Costs of living, gas, groceries, and home sales are major concerns for all,” Sullivan said.
Nassau County recorded its highest-ever first-day turnout last Saturday, with more than 29,000 early voters, according to Nassau Democratic Commission counselor James Scheuerman of the Nassau County Board of Elections. In Suffolk County, more than 34,000 residents voted on Saturday alone, surpassing turnout in 2020 and 2022 combined, said Betty Manzella, Republican Suffolk County Board of Elections Commissioner.
Early voting also broke records in New York City. On the first day, 140,145 residents cast their ballots across the five boroughs, and by Sunday, the total had risen to 257,860, according to vote.nyc.com.
Voters can check their registration status online, at VoterLookup.Elections.ny.gov, by providing their first and last name, county, ZIP code, and date of birth.
