CHEMUNG CO., N.Y. (WENY) -- As millions of Americans head to the polls, early voting is underway in Chemung County, New York. Poll workers across the country have been working hard to ensure that voters can cast their ballots smoothly and securely.
According to the Chemung Co. Board of Elections, early voting has entered its fourth day, with voters showing up steadily at Elmira and Horseheads voting sites. Both locations are seeing strong turnout, with safety and accessibility as top priorities for poll workers.
"It's been a very positive experience this year," says Jim Hare, Democratic Commissioner Chemung Co. Board of Elections. "We've had a good turnout and people are upbeat, both the voters and certainly the inspectors. We go through training classes and so on, and right now Chemung County is one of those counties that fortunately haven't had a lot of hostility. And I think the election inspectors feel secure and certainly they're the front line for our election process and they're upbeat."
In Chemung County, early voting has not faced any significant challenges. The poll workers have undergone training, preparing them to handle high turnout effectively, while addressing any questions voters may have about the process.
Elections officials are hopeful that this year's approach to training and security will help maintain a calamity atmosphere at the polls.
"We've had over 550 individuals come out and vote and the lines aren't getting any shorter and polls are open until 8 o'clock this evening," says Sperry Navone, Repbulican Commissioner for Chemung Co. Board of Elections. "So I think our numbers today are going to be really positive. Week to date, three days yesterday and including today, we have over 4,200 people that have voted early and we've got still got a number of days left."
Early voting in New York State will continue through the week and close at the end of the day on Sunday, November 3rd. Election day is November 5th, and polling locations will reopen for voters to cast their ballots for the 2024 presidential race to the White House.
Chemung County Voting Locations:
Chemung County Fair Grounds: 170 Fairview Rd, Horseheads, NY 14845
Chemung County Board of Elections: 378 S. Main St, Elmira, NY 14904
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