Voters who wanted to cast their ballots before Election Day could do so at one of 25 Early Voting Centers throughout Westchester County. The Mount Pleasant Community Center in Valhalla was one such site, accepting voters for nine days from Saturday, October 26, until Sunday, November 3. 

Voters at the gave a variety of reasons for casting their ballots early. 

Michelle, who did not want to provide her last name, said she has voted early in the last two elections. “I decided to come out to early vote because this election is probably one of the most important elections in my lifetime, and I wanted to make sure my voice was heard and to make sure this was a priority before Tuesday,” she said.

“Our democracy is at stake and women’s rights are more on the line than ever,” she said. “So for me, it was really just no question, and I wanted to make sure my voice was heard.”

Heather Temple, who lives in Hawthorne, said she decided to vote early because she wouldn’t have time on Election Day. She said she once stood in line for five hours to vote. “I believe in women’s rights so I am all for voting a woman into the White House,” Temple said. 

Lynn, who identified herself as a resident of Westchester, decided to vote early to make sure her vote got in. “Things need to be changed, big time,” she said.

Valhalla resident David Almodovar voted for the first time this year. He said he voted early to avoid potentially long waits on Election Day. “I feel it’s a big one, a big decision to make, so I wanted to make sure that my vote was in.”

Hawthorne resident Kaitlyn Bateman said she voted early “because I work and this was just easy for me. I was out, and it was ready, and I was able to come.” 

“I decided to come to vote early because I think it’s very important this election that everyone gets out and votes,” said Elmsford resident Brian Danuff. “Certainly, it was a lot more convenient for my lifestyle to vote this weekend, and not have to worry about getting up too early on a Tuesday.

“I think it’s a very important election, there again is a lot at stake, and I think certainly the future of our democracy sort of hangs in the balance and really wanted to make sure we protect the rights of Americans and expand rights as well.

“As someone who majored in history in college, I think it’s important to fulfill your civic duty. It’s kind of like an obligation, so I think that’s important. Above all else, satisfaction of either candidate aside I just think it’s important.”

An early voter from Pleasantville who identified himself only as Ben agreed about the importance of voting. “It’s my duty as a citizen” to vote, he said. Ben said he had always voted on Election Day in the past, but decided to vote early this year because he would be in New York City on Tuesday.