A guide sign outside the Canton Woods Senior Center directs voters to the accessible entrance. © 2026 Neil Villapiano
BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Wayne and Pam Suddaby have been voting since the mid-1970s. On Election Day, they were at Canton Woods Senior Center with a message for anyone thinking about sitting this one out.
“Don’t just stay home,” Pam Suddaby said. “Get out and take advantage of your rights and make your voice heard.”
Each has cast ballots for more than 50 years. They said voting remains one of the most direct ways to shape the country.
“In a country with a democratic government, it’s important to vote because you get to have a say in the type of governance that you would like,” Wayne Suddaby said.
The Suddabys said, democracy is strongest when voters come prepared. They urged people, especially first-time voters, to learn about the candidates and propositions before heading to the polls.
“I think that people should do some research so they know what the candidates are about and the propositions are about, so that they can make an informed vote,” Wayne said.
The senior center, at 76 Canton St., was a general election polling place in 2025 for Van Buren election districts 2, 3 and 9. It is funded jointly by the village of Baldwinsville and the towns of Lysander and Van Buren.
According to the Onondaga County Board of Elections’ list of offices to be filled, the ballot includes the 22nd Congressional District, governor, lieutenant governor, state comptroller, attorney general and the 48th State Senate District. A separate county list also shows a Van Buren town supervisor race.
For the Suddabys, voting is a habit built over five decades, and one they hope others will pick up.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: After 5 decades at the polls, couple says voting still matters.
Neil Villapiano: Wayne and Pam Suddaby have been voting for more than 50 years. Their first ballots were cast in the mid 1970s. Ask them why it still matters and the answer comes quickly.
Wayne Suddaby: You’re in a country with a democratic government. It’s important to vote because um you get to have a say in the type of um governance that you would like.
Villapiano: That say comes down to the choices on your ballot, the candidates and the propositions. And the Suddabys say it’s worth knowing what you’re voting on.
Wayne: I think that people should do some research so they know um what the ca candidates are about and the propositions are about so that they can make a concerned a informed vote.
Villapiano: After five decades at the polls, their message is simple.
Pam Suddaby: Get out and take advantage of your rights and make your voice heard