Long Islanders turned out in the tens of thousands this weekend to vote early. It was the first time New Yorkers have had the opportunity to cast early ballots for a president since the state adopted early voting last year.
More than 55,000 Long Islanders voted in person on Saturday and Sunday. About 20,000 of them cast ballots at Suffolk County’s 12 polling locations.
Republican County Elections Commissioner Nicholas LaLota says some locations had long wait times due to enthusiastic early voters.
He says polling places and lines also have to accommodate social distance requirements.
“I expect the next six and a half days of early voting to be just a little bit smoother,” LaLota says the number of early voters in Suffolk had climbed to over 30,000 by Monday afternoon.
He says he has not received reports of problems at any of the polling sites.
Turnout was largest among registered Democrats in both Nassau and Suffolk County. The last day to vote early is Sunday, November 1st. For polling locations and hours of operation, check out WSHU’s 2020 Voter Guide.
