SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Early voting is taking place in Onondaga County this week, and voters are showing up in record numbers. Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny has been pleasantly surprised by the turnout.
“Right now, we’re on pace for a 35% increase from 2023, which was the record year for early voting for a general. So, we’re really excited,” said Czarny. “In fact, two out of the three days that we’ve had so far were top five days for early voting for a local year ever.”
There are still five more days of early voting left, and Czarny said there’s reason to believe these record numbers could get even higher.
“You know, usually early voting closes stronger than it starts. So we’re hoping for some big numbers,” he said.
There are 10 polling locations spread across Onondaga County where voters can fill out or drop off their ballots.
Many voters, like Syracuse resident Karen Cormier, said they appreciate the flexibility of early voting.
“You never know what life brings to you. We could have bad weather, family issues,” said Cormier. “So I’d rather when I have the time to come and cast my vote.”
Another resident, Bahkta Lamichhane, said this extended period of voting is helpful for his schedule.
“On (Election Day), maybe I’m not free. If I’m not free, I have no choice to vote for my candidate. That’s why I’m early voting,” said Lamichhane.
This year’s election is considered an off-year election because it’s not aligned with any midterm or presidential races. Typically, in off-year elections, people are much less motivated to vote. Though some are still passionate about making their voices heard in local races.
“We want to protect the city. And we want to vote for the right candidate, our legislators, and our mayor,” said Cormier. “I live here in this community, I love Syracuse, and I want to cast my vote for who I think is the best candidate.”
Syracuse voters can vote for mayor, state supreme court justices, as well as some local and statewide propositions.
Early voting will continue through Sunday, and voters can still submit ballots on traditional Election Day, Tuesday.
For more information on Onondaga Elections, visit onvote.net
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Early voting in Onondaga County
Brennan Finder: It’s the fourth day of early voting in Onondaga County, and voters are showing up in record numbers. Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny has been pleasantly surprised by the turnout.
Dustin Czarny: Right now, we’re on pace for a 35% increase from 2023, which was the record year for early voting for a general. So, we’re really excited. In fact, two out of the three days that we’ve had so far were top five days for early voting for a local year ever.
Finder: There’s still five more days of early voting left, and Czarny says there’s reason to believe these record numbers could get even higher.
Czarny: You know, usually early voting closes stronger than it starts. So we’re hoping for some big numbers.
Finder: There are ten polling places across Onondaga County where residents can submit their ballots throughout the week. Many voters, like Karen Cormier, say they appreciate the flexibility of early voting.
Karen Cormier: You never know what life brings to you. So we could have bad weather, family issues. So I’d rather. When I have the time to come and cast my vote.
Finder: Even in an off-year election without a presidential or midterm race, Cormier says it’s important to ensure your voice is heard.
Cormier: We want to protect the city. And we want to vote for the right candidate. Our legislators, and our mayor, because I live here in this community, I love Syracuse, and I want to cast my vote for who I think is the best candidate.
Finder: Syracuse voters can vote for mayor, state supreme court justices, as well as some local and statewide propositions.