From left, Michael Roberts and Zachary Gann view the sample ballot as they wait for the polls to open at noon at the Central Fire Station in Owego. Both Roberts and Gann voted for their first time ever in this year’s village election. (Photo by Wendy Post)
The voting for the Village of Owego began at noon today with a good crowd rolling in, and will continue until 9 p.m. tonight at the Central Fire Station on the corner of North Avenue and Temple Street in Owego.
On the ballot, Village of Owego voters will determine who their next mayor will be. Running for mayor on two separate party lines is Steve May, a village trustee and Kevin Millar, incumbent.
The incumbent, Kevin Millar, is part of the Rebuild Owego Party and is running with Rod Marchewka, who is running for reelection as clerk / treasurer; and Patrick Cartwright, Theresa Gosart and Dick Van Hall, who are running to fill trustee seats.
Steve May is part of the Taxpayers First Party and is running with Earl Hartman and Mike Phelps, incumbents running for re-election for trustee seats; and Ed Morton, who is a first time candidate running for a trustee seat.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. today, there were already a couple of voters lined up and waiting for the polls to open.
One village resident, Michael Roberts, was voting for his first time, in any election, along with his friend Zachary Gann. At the age of 30, Roberts said that he has realized how important it is to vote.
“A particular candidate went above and beyond to help me out,” said Roberts, adding that whenever he has needed help, he has gotten results.
His friend Zachary had the same reasons, and stated that they have gained an interest in voting and politics, and they are both following the Presidential election as well.
And although they are only two votes, they felt that they would make a difference by coming out and voting.
“In local elections,” Roberts added, “voting makes a difference.”
But these two weren’t the first to vote, in spite of their early arrival. Jason Howe was the first one to vote in the Village election. Howe stated that the election is important, and he hoped for a good turnout this year – for both parties running.
As for the candidates, some arrived early to cast their vote. Millar arrived at noon and cast his vote at approximately 12:10 p.m. as well as other members from the Rebuild Owego Party.
When asked how he was feeling about today’s race, Millar stated, “Positive.”
Steve May did not cast his vote as of this reporting, but it is expected he will vote before the polls close at 9 p.m.
