Early voting numbers continue to rise in Western New York

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Long early voting lines were seen once again on day four of early voting in both Niagara and Erie Counties Tuesday as residents were eager to have their voices heard.

According to Erie County elections commissioners, the region experienced a record-setting first day of early voting with over 18,000 residents casting a ballot on Saturday alone.

By Tuesday afternoon, over 60,000 votes have been submitted in Erie County.

Niagara County reports a similar trend with a nearly 50 percent early voter turnout increase compared to 2020. At this time four years ago, just over 6,000 souls came to the polls, however, by Tuesday afternoon, Niagara County reported the submission of over 13,000 ballots.

Jacob Neiheisel, a political science professor at the University at Buffalo, said the way the numbers trend could be misleading since the only example of early voting that can be used for comparison was during the height of COVID-19 in 2020.

“We can talk about these numbers, but I'm reluctant to take a whole lot away from them knowing that people who tend to vote early tend to be more enthusiastic. They tend to be more engaged type of voters," Neiheisel said. "When you give them an opportunity to exercise that vote that they've already known what they're going to do for months, if not years, if you give them that opportunity, they're going to take it and they're going to do so enthusiastically."

“However, it doesn't really tell us much about what Election Day turnout is going to be and what the breakdown is going to be like,” Neiheisel said.

Voters spoke about the election and voting while waiting in line, saying they believe the turnout is driven by the importance of who leads the nation and convenience.

“It's an important time, its an important election and I feel the need to do my duty," said Paul Malcome. "I have no qualms that my votes are going to count and I am here a week early, so I've no reservations."

“I am really excited for this key presidential race and it's so controversial you can't help but feel excited,” said North Tonawanda resident Martha Barry.

"This is new. I never knew it was available, but I think it's a great thing and I think that more people will vote because there is an option to vote early," said Wheatfield resident Jodi Notaro. "The line moves really fast, so for anybody that comes in and sees the line, definitely wait. It moves quickly."

Erie County elections commissioners said it's projected that over 10 percent of Western New York’s registered voters will have cast a ballot before the general election on Tuesday.

As of Tuesday, close to 80,000 votes have been made, which include absentee and mail-in ballots.

Early voting in Erie County continues until 5 p.m. this Sunday. Polling sites will be closed on Monday and will reopen for the general election starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.