Early Voting Launches in Albany and Rensselaer Counties Ahead of Nov. 4 Election

Early voting begins statewide in New York on Saturday, October 23, as residents prepare for the general election scheduled for November 4. Voters can cast their ballots at various locations until November 2. Polling places will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays, while Mondays and Wednesdays will see extended hours from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Unlike on election day, voters are not restricted to a single polling site during the early voting period. Instead, they can choose from a selection of locations. It is advisable for registered voters to check their designated polling sites, as early voting locations may differ from those assigned for election day. For further information, voters can visit voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.

Rensselaer County Early Voting Options

Residents of Rensselaer County have three early voting locations available:

– The Town of Brunswick Office Building at 336 Town Office Rd., Troy
– The Schodack Town Hall at 265 Schuurman Rd., Castleton
– The building at 500 Federal St., Troy

In this election cycle, Rensselaer County will see several key races. The position of County Executive is contested, with incumbent Steve McLaughlin (R, C) facing off against Tiffani Silverman (D, WF). Additionally, all seats in the Rensselaer County Legislature are up for re-election, with some positions running uncontested. The county will also elect a State Supreme Court Justice for the Third Judicial District, with William T. Little Jr. (D, WF) and Dana Lynn Salazar (R, C) vying for the role, which covers multiple counties, including Albany and Rensselaer.

Voters in Rensselaer will also elect representatives for various town and city councils. In Troy, all six district and ward seats are available. The city will also see an election for Mayor, where incumbent Mike Stammel (R, C) will compete against John DeFrancesco (D, WF), the current City Council President.

Albany County Voting Locations and Proposals

Albany County residents have seven designated early voting sites:

– Albany County Board of Elections at 260 South Pearl St., Albany
– East Berne Volunteer Fire Company at 792 Helderberg Trail, East Berne
– Bethlehem Lutheran Church Parish Hall at 85 Elm Ave., Delmar
– St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church at 440 Whitehall Rd., Albany
– Pine Grove United Methodist Church at 1580 Central Ave., Albany
– Boght Community Fire Department at 8 Preston Dr., Cohoes
– Guilderland Public Library at 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland

This year, Albany County voters will consider a proposal titled “Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land.” The amendment seeks to permit skiing and related trail facilities on designated state forest preserve land, which encompasses 1,039 acres. If passed, it will require the state to add 2,500 acres of new forest land within the Adirondack Park.

Additionally, voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for the same State Supreme Court Justice candidates, William T. Little Jr. and Dana Lynn Salazar. Several county-wide positions will be uncontested, including Albany County Clerk, a role currently held by Bruce Hidley, and two Albany County Coroner positions, held by Paul Marra and Antonio Sturges. The Family Court position will also remain uncontested, with Jessica R. Wilcox standing as the sole candidate.

In Watervliet, a shift in the City Council is anticipated following the retirement of Councilmember Barbara Diamond. The Watervliet Democratic Caucus has endorsed Anthony Ferrandino for the upcoming vacancy.

Green Island, Watervliet, and Cohoes will also feature the Albany County District 16 Legislator race, although Maggie Alix (D) is running uncontested. Green Island will see uncontested elections for Mayor, three village trustee seats, two town council seats, town clerk, and town supervisor.

As the early voting period unfolds, residents are encouraged to participate actively in the electoral process and ensure their voices are heard ahead of the November 4 election.