Headed To The Polls? Here’s Some Advice From Local Election Officials

App users, tap here to watch video report.

JAMESTOWN – Voters have the chance to make their voice heard in important local races this election day. However, before they go to the polls, our local Board of Election officials have a few tips to keep in mind.

Chautauqua County Board of Election Commissioner Brian Abram recommends those who plan to head to their poll site today should avoid the lunch or dinner hours, if they want to beat the rush.

“We expect a steady stream of individuals,” said Abram. “We always see a bump usually at lunch time and then a larger bump right at the dinner hour.”

Some voters might have questions about where they should go to cast their ballot. Abram is directing everyone to his department’s website for clarity.

“You can go on to VoteChautauqua.com, you can find yourself, it will take you and give you a map of where you need to go, where your poll site’s address is, and look at the ballot prior to,” said Abram.

As for results, he says they will begin to come in around 9 p.m. with early voting totals appear first. As the night goes on, data from individual poll sites will appear until all ballots are counted.

“As we get the data disks back from the field, they get uploaded by our staff and the results would change as quickly as we get the data disks from the machines to the board of elections,” explained Abram.

Absentee ballots, which can be dropped off at induvial poll sites throughout the day Tuesday, placed in the mail, or brought directly to the Board of Election’s Office in Mayville, will be counted next week.

In the end, the election commissioner simply wants everyone to get out and vote.

“I think it is important that people understand that this is a local year, and these races effect you daily,” continued Abram. “These people are your county executive, county clerk, legislator.”

Polls remain open until 9 p.m. Tuesday. WNY News Now will carry live results and, in the field coverage, starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday at WNYNewsNow.com, our Facebook page, and Channel 716 on Roku.