Voting in Ulster County proceeded smoothly on November 7, 2023, according to local election officials. The day saw residents actively participating in the democratic process, with early voting numbers indicating a positive trend. Democratic Election Commissioner Ashley Torres confirmed that while overall turnout was slightly lower than in previous elections, the increase in early voting has made a significant impact.
At the Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center in Kingston, local resident Heidi Walker expressed the importance of voting in every election. “It’s a responsibility. It’s a part of citizenship that you come and vote,” she stated after casting her ballot. Walker emphasized that regardless of personal preferences for candidates, participating in the electoral process remains crucial.
Local officials also took to the polls, including Bryant Drew Andrews, a Kingston Alderman representing Ward 7 who is not seeking reelection. “All elections are important,” Andrews said, highlighting the need for civic engagement and accountability. He referenced the spirit of Ubuntu, a concept from his Bantu and Zulu heritage, which emphasizes community and togetherness. “People died for this right and continue to die,” he added, reinforcing the significance of voting in today’s society.
Family participation was evident as Nicola and Mike Battaglia brought their children to experience the voting process firsthand. “We vote in every election, and I think it’s important that we show our kids how to participate in their local government,” Nicola Battaglia remarked.
By 15:00, Commissioner Torres reported a total of 18,806 votes cast. Although this figure was down slightly, it did not account for districts facing connectivity issues. Torres noted that when early voting is factored in, the overall participation appears to be on the rise. “We are slightly up… a shift in how some voters have decided to cast their ballot,” she stated.
The early voting period this year showed remarkable growth compared to the last local elections in 2021. The number of early votes reached 11,637, a notable increase of 23.18% from the 9,447 early votes cast in 2023. This trend suggests a growing acceptance of early voting across various political affiliations, with 61.23% of early voters identifying as Democrats and 17.19% as Republicans.
Ulster County currently has a diverse voter base, consisting of 54,158 registered Democrats, 29,523 Republicans, and 38,573 voters not enrolled in any political party. Additionally, registered voters from Conservative, Working Families, and other parties account for 7,771 individuals out of a total of 129,827 registered voters.
The 2023 elections mark a significant transition in Ulster County’s electoral process. Following a recent ruling from the state’s highest court, most local elections will now be held in even-numbered years. This change will affect candidates for the 23 seats on the Ulster County Legislature and others who previously ran for two-year terms, such as town supervisors and clerks, who will now contend for one-year terms.
Polls are set to close at 21:00 on Election Day, and with the steady turnout, local officials anticipate a productive conclusion to the voting process in Ulster County.
