FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — Julie Hammer, 69, has voted in New York’s 22nd Congressional district for over 50 years. She has made it a family tradition to teach her daughters the importance of voting by bringing them to the polls.
“I took my kids to vote with me every time, so they would learn about voting and the importance of voting,” Hammer said.
She said she received a special selfie this morning – a photo of one of her daughters and a granddaughter arriving early in the morning to cast their vote.
Hammer voted early for the first time this year and called the process “easy as pie.”
According to the State Board of Elections, nearly one-third of all registered voters in Onondaga County voted early. She says there was a steady stream of people walking in and out of the polling location, “just like I was used to,” Hammer said.
Video Transcript
Julie Hammer: I think it’s my civic duty.
Jake Lazarus: Sixty-nine-year-old Julie hammer has been voting in central New York for over 50 years, and since she’s had kids, hammer says she has made voting a yearly family tradition.
Julie Hammer: I took my kids to vote with me every time, so they had to learn about voting, and I have a picture of my granddaughter and my daughter voting. They just voted today.
Jake Lazarus: Hammer says this year she voted early for the first time. She called the process easy as pie, and is thankful that New York state makes the process as simple as it is. Hammer wants every voter to know that their vote matters no matter where they are.
Julie Hammer: Every vote counts and whoever you’re for. If you want to show a strong showing for that person.
Jake Lazarus: Hammer says it’s not just the presidential race that counts, but all the down ballot races that will impact local policies too. Reporting from the Fayetteville free library in Fayetteville, New York. For democracy in action, Jake Lazarus, NCC news.