Crowds Turn Out To Vote Early Across LI Despite Long Lines, Waits

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long lines and waits of up to five hours were reported this weekend as early voting kicked off across New York.

Patience was noted across the board for those who said the importance of casting their ballots outweighed any inconvenience. Young and elderly, some on crutches or with small children in tow, joined the crowds across Long Island waiting to vote.

Early voting commenced Saturday and continues through Nov. 1. People can vote at any one of the 12 early voting locations throughout Suffolk County where booths, privacy sleeves and pens will be continuously sanitized, the Suffolk County Board of Elections said. Search the Suffolk County early voting poll locations.

According to a report by CNN, early voting is breaking records. A total of 58.7 million Americans have voted early so far, already surpassing the early voting total in the 2016 presidential election, CNN reported.

In 2016, around 58.3 million pre-election ballots were cast, comprising 42 percent of all ballots.

Voters spoke with Patch about why they faced the long waits with determination.

"This is the most important election, ever," said Yvonne Gallagher of Peconic, waiting in line Sunday at the Southold Human Services/Senior Center in Mattituck. "I want to make sure I get counted. I'm willing to wait."

Juan Guzman of Laurel, who works at Claudio's in Greenport, said he was happy that he voted early. "I couldn't wait to do the right thing," he said. "It's very important to express ourselves."

Guzman said he was recently in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the lines stretched two blocks or more, with even a 95-year-old waiting in line. The message, he said, was clear: "We need change."

Yoram Gimach of Westhampton drove to Mattituck to vote Sunday. When asked why he turned out early, he smiled. "To have a party," he said. In seriousness, he added: "It's very important to change what's going on in this country. The more people that vote, the more chances we have to do it."

Julianna Lobocchiaro, 23, of Laurel, came with her mother, Melissa, who was on crutches with a broken knee.

"I know I'm only one person out of millions, but I do believe every vote counts," Julianna said. She added that social media has helped many in her younger generation to see the importance of voting.

Her mother agreed and said voting was very important to her.

Alexandra Touliatsos of Southold came to vote early because she said she was afraid of what happenings could erupt on Election Day. "I'm really scared to go out that day," she said. "There may be violence. And I'm getting older."

Megan Eilers of Greenport brought her two young sons, whom she brings every time she votes, she said. "We wanted to vote from the very first moment we got the chance," she said.

She tried to vote Saturday but wasn't able due to the wait, which was more than three hours, she said. "I'm concerned we might not have another chance to vote," she said. "Anything is possible in this election year — from COVID to the fall of democracy."

Eric Deschamps of Mattituck smiled as he walked out after voting. "It's my constitutional right," he said. "And I'm proud to be able to do it."

On Monday, Bridget LeRoy was in line at the Mastic Recreation Center. "They say it’s two hours from where I am now," she wrote on Facebook. "I waited in line for two hours to ride Splash Mountain. I can wait two hours for this."

LeRoy also told Patch: "I was lucky enough to strike up a lovely conversation with some young people behind me. Four of them. It was their first time voting. The time definitely goes faster if you can keep a smile on your face and either bring a friend or make a friend."

And, added John Sullivan on LeRoy's post: "I went to East Hampton on Saturday. I waited 2 hours and 45 minutes. It was worth every second."