In what is considered an "off-year" for voting, the polls are seeing more action then in five years. Reporter Lucas Vogel speaks with a local poll worker about why that is, and why it's good for our democracy.
Early Tuesday morning, voter turnout was steady at the Onondaga Town Hall, where residents believe that participating in the democratic process is important. Many voters said that since they are unaffected by the city mayoral race, the hot topics on their mind this Election Day include proposed referendums involving redistricting and voter eligibility.
Today is election day in New York and citizens from all different backgrounds are casting their votes. Many had great experiences and were eager to exercise their constitutional rights through voting and effecting change in their desired areas. Common fields of interest include socio-economic inequality and the mayoral election. A few voters expressed their concern with the back side of ballots as there was little information or context regarding certain polls. Polling centers officially close at nine tonight though results likely will not be final for at least a day.
Many voters in Onondaga County, and specifically the Syracuse area, decided to vote using absentee ballots during the 2020 Presidential Election due to COVID-19 concerns. Now, during the 2021 Syracuse General Election, more voters are going in person. Whether it is due to the location of the closest voting poll or the chance to show children how to vote, those who visited the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection Gym on Election Day had different reasons as to why they decided to vote in person this year.
CICERO, N.Y. (DiA) – Voters across Cicero are masking up and checking boxes as local elections continue throughout the day. Unlike the record breaking turnout in 2020, both of the town’s polling places were nearly empty with many booths unused. This is likely due to this year not having a presidential or gubernatorial race on…
Huntington Hall at Syracuse University usually sees hundreds of students vote in each year's elections. This year, this has not been the case. Low turnout has been a byproduct of an election year where there are only local candidates on the ballot.
Baldwinsville, N.Y. (DiA) – Many U.S. veterans tend to wear their uniforms on election day. John Cecil, Korean War veteran, said he does it to show his pride for the country. “I wear it most of the time. I’m proud of our military and I’m very grateful I was able to serve in it,” said Cecil.…
Today marks poll manager Tom Burgess' 20th time working election day. He is working a 15 hours shift at the Armond Magnarelli Community Center at McChesney Park until 10pm. He said that he greatly believes in the power of local voting.
Syracuse voters are eager to cast their ballots. Emad Rahim came to the United States as a refugee. Back in his home country of Cambodia, voting wasn't allowed under the Khmer Rough communist regime. Now that he's able to vote, Rahim wants to take full advantage of his right to vote. Cjala Surratt, Rahim's wife, appreciates the sacrifices previous generations made to fight for her right to vote.
DEWITT, N.Y. (DiA)- The polls are open in Central New York today, and voters are making their way over to booths to cast their votes. Many critical races are happening on this year’s ballots; the biggest one is the Syracuse mayoral race. Local and state elections typically end up with lower voter turnout. However, Donna Miller,…
It's Election Day and people are making their way back to the polls in typical fashion. Last year, many voters were deterred from voting in-person due to the pandemic. However, this year, it appears as though things are getting back to normal.
A long time voter, Marianne Roefaro of Camillus, has voted in every election since she was 18-years-old. She greatly values her right to vote as a woman. She says her family was very involved in politics and made sure she voted even if it meant she had to get an absentee ballot.
Syracuse Residents Linda Abear and Cjala Surrat voted at the Bellevue Heights Methodist Church polling site. Linda Abear was joined with her two grandchildren, as she wanted to teach them how to vote. She said that the School District has failed to teach her grandchildren the right things, as she believes children are being indoctrinated by teachers. Cjala Surrat voiced concerns over poverty in the Syracuse area, including what to do with the population along I-81. She said that she voted to stand up and be a voice for them. Polls close at nine tonight.
While voters only spend a few minutes casting their ballots on Election Day, poll workers at the Solvay-Geddes Community Youth Center are hard at work all day long. Poll inspector Patricia Blanchard and front desk worker Carl Libertone have served on Election Day for decades. Both individuals feel it is their civic duty to do these jobs and encourage Central New Yorkers to get out and vote on local issues.
Election Day is well underway. As citizens arrive at the Camillus Fire Department poll-site, they’ve been reflecting on the importance of voting. Roman Szul, from Camillus, is more than passionate about voting.
Voters are going to the polls with different reasons. Families are using the time to go vote together, like they do every year. A candidate, Janet Aaron, also went to place her vote. She wanted to support her campaign and says Skaneateles Lake cleanup is a key issue.
POMPEY, N.Y. (DiA) – Early this morning people trickled into polling stations for the day’s election. After eleven years and a pandemic, Beth Mahon continued her role as poll manager at Pompey Town Hall. “It’s my part that I can do for this public service and I enjoy doing it. I’ve always wanted to do it…
Local voters arrive at the polls starting at 6am on Election Day. Most early birds come to the polls to beat the lines before work, but for one local Central New York couple, election day means much more. It's a cherished tradition the Bostwick couple has in their commitment to Democracy. They said they voted in every election since they can remember, and have a message for those staying home today.
Poll workers advise starting to make voting a habit as soon as you can.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (DiA) – Voters have come to the polls early this morning at the Blessed Sacrament School in Syracuse. Many voters went bright and early as they believe voting is important in our society. Syracuse resident Tracy Murphy says voting is extra important as at the moment the “country is divided and everyone should…
