SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Central New Yorkers cast their ballots at various voting sites throughout Central New York on Monday, the third day of early voting for Onondaga County residents.
One resident Linda Alario said she thinks it is important to vote whenever possible.
“I make the same decision every election I am eligible to vote in, because that’s what we are supposed to be doing as citizens,” she said.
She said that there is no room to complain if you do not participate in electing officials.
“If anybody is wondering how we got into the the kind of boat we’re in now, it’s because people do not take advantage of their right to vote and they do not follow through with their civic duty to vote,” Alario said.
Primary voting is taking place in New York, which is a closed primary state. That means only those that are registered for a political party can vote in that party’s primary.
Democratic Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny said this year has seen a better turnout then the past two primaries.
“For the first two days we had 384 people over the weekend. That’s actually pretty good for a primary,” he said. “If you compare it to the two other primaries that we’ve had early voting, 2021 we had 190 people 2023 we had 280 people over those first two days.”
One big reason why is the race for the Democratic Syracuse mayoral nominee. The race is between Common Counilors Pat Hogan and Chol Majok, and Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens.
Czarny said that race is fueling early voter turnout.
“Obviously the city of Syracuse mayoral race is the big one – 348 of those 384 were inside the city of Syracuse,” Czarny said.
The Republican mayoral nominee has been decided. Thomas Babilon, a lawyer for 22 years, is running and will face the winner of the Democratic nominee.
Early voting for the primaries is open until Sunday, June 22. Primary day is June 24.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: First weekend of early voting has high turnout
Rich Rosa: Early voting continues today. Central New Yorkers are heading to the polls to cast their ballot in the primaries. Jackson Cowen is live outside the Armond Magnarelli Community Center in Syracuse. Hi Jackson.
Jackson Cowen: Good evening Rich.
Cowen: The third day of early voting is just wrapping up as we speak. The community center behind me is one of five early voting sites here in Onondaga County. So far, residents are taking full advantage.
Cowen: Central New Yorkers are making their voices heard today.
Linda Alario: I make the same decision every election I am eligible to vote in. Because that’s what we are supposed to be doing as citizens.
Cowen: Alario is one of many who has casted her vote in the 2025 primary election. But Alario says not everyone feels the same way.
Alario: If anybody is wondering how we got into the the kind of boat we’re in now, it’s because people do not take advantage of their right to vote and they do not follow through with their civic duty to vote.
Cowen: In New York, primary voting can be done by those who are registered to a party. The first two days have had a bigger turnout than the previous two primary elections.
Dustin Czarny: For the first two days we had 384 people over the weekend. That’s actually pretty good for a primary. If you compare it to the two other primaries that we’ve had early voting, 2021 we had 190 people 2023 we had 280 people over those first two days.
Cowen: Czarny says one race in particular is drawing attention.
Czarny: Obviously, the city of Syracuse mayoral race is the big one – 348 of those 384 were inside the city of Syracuse.
Cowen: That race features three candidates, Chol Majok, Pat Hogan and Sharon Owens. Alario says regardless of who is on the ballot, people should participate.
Alario: If you want to live in a democracy, you’ve got to make your vote count by making a vote, casting it.
Cowen: The winner of the Democratic mayoral race will face Republican Thomas Babilon. Early voting is open until Sunday, the 22. Election Day will be Tuesday, the 24. Live in Syracuse, Jackson Cowen, NCC News.