Early Voting Launches in New York for November 4 Election

Early voting for the general election in New York begins on October 23, 2023, and runs until November 2, 2023. Voters across the state can participate in early voting at select locations, aiming to increase accessibility ahead of the main election day on November 4, 2023.

During the early voting period, polling places will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday. On Monday and Wednesday, the hours extend to 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Unlike on election day, voters have the flexibility to choose from various locations within their counties rather than being restricted to a single polling site. Voters can find their designated early voting locations by visiting voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.

Rensselaer County Early Voting Details

Residents of Rensselaer County can cast their ballots at three designated early voting locations. These include the Town of Brunswick Office Building at 336 Town Office Rd., Troy, Schodack Town Hall at 265 Schuurman Rd., Castleton, and the facility at 500 Federal St., Troy.

Among the key races, the position of Rensselaer County Executive is contested between incumbent Steve McLaughlin (Republican, Conservative) and challenger Tiffani Silverman (Democratic, Working Families). Additionally, the entire Rensselaer County Legislature is up for re-election, with some positions unopposed. Voters will also elect a State Supreme Court Justice for the Third Judicial District, with candidates William T. Little Jr. (Democratic, Working Families) and Dana Lynn Salazar (Republican, Conservative) vying for the role, which encompasses seven counties, including Albany and Rensselaer.

Voters in Rensselaer will also decide on local government positions such as the Mayor and City Council President in Troy. Incumbent Mayor Mike Stammel (Republican, Conservative) faces off against incumbent City Council President John DeFrancesco (Democratic, Working Families).

Albany County Early Voting and Proposals

In Albany County, voters have seven early voting locations to choose from. Voting sites include the Albany County Board of Elections at 260 South Pearl St., Albany, the East Berne Volunteer Fire Company at 792 Helderberg Trail, East Berne, and St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church at 440 Whitehall Rd., Albany, among others.

This election cycle features a proposal on the ballot titled “Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land,” which would permit skiing and related facilities on state forest land while requiring the addition of 2,500 acres of new forest land in the Adirondack Park.

Albany County voters will also see the names of William T. Little Jr. and Dana Lynn Salazar on their ballots for the State Supreme Court seat. Several county-wide positions, including Albany County Clerk, will be contested unopposed. Bruce Hidley seeks re-election as County Clerk, while Paul Marra and Antonio Sturges are running unopposed for two Coroner positions.

In Watervliet, the City Council is preparing for change as Councilmember Barbara Diamond has announced her retirement. The Watervliet Democratic Caucus has endorsed Anthony Ferrandino to fill the vacancy. Additionally, Green Island, Watervliet, and Cohoes will participate in the Albany County District 16 Legislator race, with Maggie Alix (Democratic) running unopposed.

As early voting commences, New Yorkers are encouraged to engage in the electoral process and make their voices heard in this pivotal election.