Voters line up to cast their ballots in Owego.
Voter turnout in Tioga County, N.Y. was heavy on Election Day, with some voters arriving as early as 6 a.m. at their polling location. And according to Carolyn Dwyer, an election inspector in Tioga County, a few were lined up at 6 a.m. and there was a steady stream of voters after that.
By noontime, in Owego, N.Y., close to 700 had already arrived cast their ballots at just one polling location.
Faye Rafferty, election inspector, said that the poll workers didn’t have much of a break during the morning hours, and the afternoon and evening was expected to be even busier.
From left, Patricia Miran, Carolyn Dwyer and Faye Rafferty, election inspectors, assist voters with casting their ballots in Tioga County, N.Y.
Rafferty stated that the turnout was good because of the presidential election, and the controversies surrounding the candidates.
Dwyer noted that more residents were registered with a party affiliation this year as well.
Sharon Weed, another election inspector, chimed in with a similar experience.
“Voter turnout has been very heavy,” said Weed, who was working at the Owego polling location, adding, “They [voters] were here at 6 a.m.”
The voters were out in full force, casting their ballots throughout the County.
One resident, “Taz” Howard, stated that it’s important to vote.
“If you don’t vote, you can’t [complain],” said Howard.
Maureen Wolcott left her storefront in Owego to cast her vote on Tuesday. According to Wolcott, “Everyone needs to vote; it’s their right.”
Randy Kipp, a first time voter, explained why he was voting this year. “It’s for the better of the country,” said Kipp of the importance of voting in this presidential election year.
John Ricklefs voted during the noon hour, and shared the same opinion as Howard. “You can’t [complain] if you don’t vote.”
As for the local elections, Bill Batrowny, who is running for State Assembly, reported that he would be at the Chemung County Democratic Committee Headquarters at 206 W. Water St. on Election Day at 10 a.m. to meet with voters. He also reported that he would spend the afternoon in Tioga County and the Town of Maine in Broome County.
Tom Reed, who is running for Congress, reported that they would be at the Radisson hotel in Corning, N.Y. beginning at 8:30 p.m.
The Owego Pennysaver will be following the local results this evening as they begin to arrive.
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