There are reports of long lines across New York City, the first day of early voting for the 2020 General Election. It’s definitely the case on the Lower East Side. This was the scene Saturday afternoon at the only early voting site in the neighborhood, Junior High School 56 at 220 Henry St.
The entrance is actually located on Madison Street. The line wraps around the whole building, from Madison to East Broadway and Clinton streets. People are waiting patiently in line, and mostly social distancing.
Early voting has never been allowed in a presidential election in New York. The State Legislature approved it last year after Democrats took control of the Senate. There will be nine days of early voting, until Nov. 1. After that you’ll have to vote at your regular polling station on Election Day, November 3. You can find out more info about early voting here.
The most consequential presidential contest in generations and concerns about voter suppression are, of course, driving huge interest in this election. But there are other items on the ballot, including U.S. congressional and State legislative races. You can see sample ballots here.
