If your favorite–or least favorite–candidate is looking a little tired, don’t be surprised. The election for town, county and judicial candidates is nearly upon us, after months of forums, fundraisers, appearances with local organizations, at parades, schools, civic groups, store openings, festivals and innumerable other events.
Some forums conflicted with each other on the schedule, while public safety, boaters, anti-tax groups, environmentalists, vaccine opponents, good-government advocates, diversity supporters, and housing opponents and advocates all worked to be heard on their issues. Other voters just wanted to see the candidates and hear what they had to say.
In some forums, a couple of candidates chose not to participate after saying they would, claiming scheduling conflicts because of fundraisers, while others simply haven’t shown up, without explanation. One forum for civic groups that was to feature four candidates this week suddenly became a one-sided discussion when two hopefuls of the same party suddenly canceled.
At another, several candidates were frustrated when a forum that was supposed to last two full hours was cut off 20 minutes early, leaving that round of candidates still ready to argue their case. Others complained when only the moderator, not the candidates, could see the timer, forcing them to stop mid-sentence in their comments.
Many forums strictly limit the response times, ensuring that candidates get equal time, but sometimes leaving little room for detailed or nuanced responses on complex issues.
Late in the campaign, one state party sent out a flyer that reported on people’s voting records, and said, “We will update your voting record after Election Day after confirming whether you voted,” leaving some who received it to wonder at its purpose or complain about feeling watched.
The campaign also featured a fairly late addition to the lineup, after a Democratic candidate was knocked off the ballot because of residency rules, and was replaced. Another attempt to knock her off the ballot failed. A Nassau newspaper that occasionally covers Huntington continues to run an article that falsely says their favorite candidate has no opponent.
And the campaign isn’t over, even as early voting starts Saturday. Candidates will continue the grueling pace, with fundraisers and appearances scheduled right up to Election Day.
Because of redistricting, many Huntington residents will have new representatives in the Suffolk County Legislature as of January. And because two members of the Town Council, Joan Cergol and Gene Cook, decided not to run again, there will be two new faces on the board as of January.
Early voting gets underway Saturday. You can look up your registration here, which also provides details on all the candidates whose names will appear on your ballot, as well as your polling place on Nov. 7.
Registered voters can cast ballots at any Suffolk polling place during the early voting period.
- Greenlawn Fire Department – 23 Boulevard Ave., Greenlawn
- Huntington Public Library Station Branch – 1335 New York Avenue, Huntington Station
- Dix Hills Fire Department – 115 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills
Date |
Hours |
Saturday, October 28 |
10:00am – 6:00pm |
Sunday, October 29 |
10:00am – 6:00pm |
Monday, October 30 |
10:00am – 6:00p |
Tuesday, October 31 |
7:00am – 3:00pm |
Wednesday, November 1 |
7:00am – 3:00pm |
Thursday, November 2 |
12:00pm – 8:00pm |
Friday, November 3 |
12:00pm – 8:00pm |
Saturday, November 4 |
10:00am – 6:00pm |
Sunday, November 5 |
10:00am – 6:00pm |
State Attorney General Letitia James announced Friday that her office will make its Election Protection Hotline available for the Nov. 7 election and during early voting. The hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters, including issues with voting by absentee ballot or in-person at their polling place. A guide addressing frequently asked questions is available to assist voters with the absentee ballot request process and voter registration issues in advance of the election.