Early voting will begin Saturday, Oct. 26, at three locations in Chautauqua County and run through Sunday, Nov. 3. “We’re truly uncertain about how many people will vote early,” said Brian Abram, Republican county election commissioner. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

MAYVILLE — Because of state election reforms passed earlier this year, Chautauqua County residents will be able to vote earlier than Election Day.

For residents who cannot wait for Nov. 5, three polling sites — Chautauqua County Board of Elections, Hall R. Clothier Building, located at 7 N. Erie St., Mayville; Chautauqua Mall, located at 318 E. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, and Chautauqua County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building/Agriculture & Expo Center, located at 1089 Central Ave. — will be open from Saturday, Oct. 26, to Sunday, Nov. 3. The polling sites will be open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., Monday and Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Brian Abram, Chautauqua County Board of Elections Republican commissioner, said all voters in Chautauqua County are eligible to participate in early voting at any one of three poll sites. He said if a county resident cast a ballot during early voting, they won’t be eligible to vote on Election Day. He added new electronic poll books will track whether someone has already voted.

“New York state didn’t allow (electronic poll books) until this year. We ran a couple pilot programs before this year, but this year they were approved,” he said. “The tablets will tell if someone has voted. If you go someplace else, it will indicate that you have voted. In April, all polls will have them, but (electronic poll books) are being used just for early voting this year.”

Abram said no specific amount has been calculated yet on how much early voting will cost the county, but it will be “significant.” However, he said the state will provide grants to cover the cost of early voting this year. He added it’s still unknown if the state will provide additional funding for future years.

How many people will head to the polls early? Abram said that is question that won’t be answered until Saturday, Oct. 26.

“We’re truly uncertain about how many people will vote early,” he said. “We’re trying to promote it so people are aware. We’ve placed (the polls) in spots where people can take advantage of it. We’re not even discussing the number (of early voters). If people want to participate, we’re just trying to make sure people can.”

Abram said if anyone has any questions about early voting, the can visit votechautauqua.com to find information like their ballot for their district.

All early voting sites are accessible to voters with physical disabilities. Early voting poll sites will not be open Monday, Nov. 4.