By Collin Smith and Danielle Porcelli
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (NCC News) — As voters headed to 143 polling sites around Onondaga County, they were greeted by signs, campaign literature and the candidates themselves.
For voters in the town of Salina at the Liverpool Public Library, candidates such as Christina Fadden, a Ward 1 council candidate, and David Stott, a town supervisor candidate, were making their rounds to one of the nine Salina polling sites with their names on the ballot.
“I think that’s where it all starts (local elections). I mean, they say all politics is local. It’s not just a slogan. Your leaf pickup, your taxes, your assessments. I mean, all taxes, for the most part, generate locally with issues and concerns that people have,” Stott said.
These local issues are exactly why voting beyond just a Congressional candidate matters in these elections.
“In the town, we’re handling roads, we’re handling sewer infrastructure and we’re handling a big budget town and highway just so much. And Congress really doesn’t have anything to do with that, you know, neither does the Governor’s office. So it really is important for people to be knowledgeable about what’s going on in their local area and vote on that,” Fadden said.
Although presidential election cycles often attract more voters, these state and local elections can have more impact on voters’ daily lives. With an extended ballot and a multitude of options for voting, this election proves key for turnout at all levels.
“And if we squander that right (to vote), it’s sad for us. So I think it’s important we get out there. It’s one day a year. Now there’s so much opportunity with early voting and mail-in voting. You know, why not participate? Why just sit there and complain?” Fadden said. “So let’s do it. And everybody get out and votes. And I think that way people will be most accepting of the results, whichever way it goes.”