P-J photo by Jordan W. Patterson

MAYVILLE — More than 1,100 Chautauqua County residents have cast their ballots as part of an early voting initiative that kicked off Saturday.

Norm Green, county election commissioner, cited numerous contested races throughout Chautauqua County for the strong participation in early voting thus far. From now until Sunday, Nov. 3, county residents can cast their ballots at one of three locations: the Chautauqua County Board of Elections, Hall R. Clothier Building, 7 N. Erie St., Mayville; the Chautauqua Mall, 318 E. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood; and the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building/Agriculture & Expo Center, 1089 Central Ave.

Early voting locations are open Saturday and Sunday from noon-5 p.m., Monday and Tuesday from noon-8 p.m. and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Green said he and Brian Abram, county election commissioner, are expecting about 25,000 people to vote in this year’s election. He noted that having 1,182 of those votes coming through early voting — and within the first few days — was surprising to see.

There are several races expected to be closely watched this year.

County Executive George Borrello is taking on Austin Morgan for the state Senate seat vacated by Cathy Young.

In Jamestown, Eddie Sundquist, David Wilfong and Andrew Liuzzo are vying for the city mayor post. Several city council positions are also up for grabs.

In the north county, Willie Rosas is seeking re-election as Dunkirk mayor, with Shaun Heenan as a challenger.

And in Fredonia, Athanasia Landis is looking to keep her village mayor position, with Douglas Essek as her challenger.