LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — Voters in Congressional District 22 are heading to the polls in what has become a tight race between Republican Brandon Williams and Democrat John Mannion.
Up until Election Day, campaign ads have flooded the district, with each candidate trying to sway undecided voters and solidify their support base.
However, many voters at the Liverpool Library polling site find the amount of ads overwhelming and, in some cases, misleading.
Emily Cunningham, a resident, voiced her frustration, explaining that she feels the ads often take things “out of context.”
“I actually don’t agree with those ads, and I see the bigger picture,” Cunningham said.
Like many voters, she’s concerned about how the ads are shaping perceptions of the candidates in a way that feels disconnected from the issues that matter most to her.
Cindy Griffith, a voter in District 22 has shared similar concerns, with some saying the constant stream of political ads is distracting from factual information.
“I think it just gets annoying to people after a while, and then I don’t think they can do what they’re actually trying to do and persuade people. I think people get turned off by that more than they listen and appreciate,” Griffith said.
District 22 voter, Stephanie Baron, said she feels the ads spread disillusionment with the level of negativity in the campaign messaging.
“I don’t remember these ads being so divisive and brutal, bringing up stuff in false and fake,” Baron said.
Many voters, like Cunningham, Griffith and Baron, feel that the ads are hostile and aimed more at attacking the opponent than informing voters about the candidates’ stances or qualifications.
As the election draws to a close, many are hopeful that the constant stream of political ads will finally end, giving them a moment of relief.
Especially, allowing them to cast their ballots without the noise of misleading or negative advertising clouding their judgment.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPTION: Voters weigh the impact of campaign ads in NY-22 Congressional race.
Rosie Rapisarda: Voters in congressional district 22 are casting ballots in a close race between Brandon Williams and John Mannion. However, campaign ads are flooding the district, and they’re shaping what voters think.
Emily Cunningham: I would say that things are taken out of context and in terms of people talking about some of the things that they’re saying, I actually don’t agree with those ads, and I see the bigger picture.
Rapisarda: Other voters in District 22 expressed negative reactions. They say political ads can dilute the candidate’s message.
Cindy Griffith: I think it just gets annoying to people after a while, and then I don’t think they can do what they’re actually trying to do and persuade people. I think people get turned off by that more than they listen and appreciate.
Stephanie Baron: I don’t remember these ads being so divisive and brutal and bringing up stuff in false and fake, you know.”
Rapisarda: For many voters, Election Day will bring relief from the impact of campaign advertisements. I’m Rosie Rapisarda, NCC News.