More Than 24,000 Monroe County Voters Cast Ballots During First Two Days of Early Voting

Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election is underway across Monroe County, with more than 24,000 residents casting ballots during the first two days, according to figures reported by the Monroe County Board of Elections.

The turnout comes as voters prepare to decide a range of federal, state and local races in an election that will help determine political representation and policy priorities for the coming years.

Early voting began Saturday, Oct. 24, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 1, giving registered voters nine consecutive days to cast their ballots before Election Day.

Monroe County has established 15 early voting locations throughout Rochester and surrounding communities. Unlike Election Day, when voters generally must report to their assigned polling places, county residents may cast their ballots at any designated early voting center within Monroe County.

Several locations are situated within Rochester city neighborhoods, including the Edgerton Recreation Center at 41 Backus St., the David F. Gantt Recreation Center at 700 North St., and the Monroe County Office Building at 39 W. Main St.

Additional sites include the Susan B. Anthony Museum and House at 17 Madison St. and the Staybridge Suites Rochester University Hotel at 1000 Genesee St.

Election officials have also emphasized accessibility. All 15 early voting locations have Spanish-language interpreters available, while American Sign Language interpreters are stationed at the Monroe County Office Building, Brighton Winter Farmers Market and Henrietta Public Library.

The accommodations are intended to help residents who might otherwise encounter language or communication barriers while exercising their voting rights.

Voting hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, polling locations are open from noon to 8 p.m.

The election comes amid continued public discussion of issues affecting Rochester and Monroe County, including housing affordability, education funding, public safety, economic opportunity and the cost of living.

Voters will also help determine representation in Congress and the New York State Legislature, where decisions on federal and state spending, education policy and social services can directly affect local communities.

The early voting period has also brought renewed attention to the importance of election access. New York election officials are investigating reports of some voters receiving mail ballots later than expected, raising concerns about whether affected residents will have sufficient time to complete and return their ballots.

Under New York law, voters who have already been issued an absentee or early mail ballot generally cannot cast another ballot using a voting machine. They may, however, vote by affidavit ballot, which election officials review before determining whether it can be counted.

Residents who vote early cannot vote again on Election Day. Ballots cast during early voting are counted as part of the election results after polls close Nov. 3.

The deadline to register to vote in the general election was Oct. 24. Residents who are already registered can check their voter information and locate polling sites through the New York State Board of Elections.

Election Day voting will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For additional information, including a complete list of early voting locations, residents can visit the Monroe County Board of Elections or use the state's voter lookup service