Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Voters across Western New York headed to their local polling place on Election Day this Tuesday to cast their ballots on a number of key local races.
North Buffalo residents Mary Catherine Manes and Aiden are generations apart, but both were among those casting their ballots Tuesday morning at the North Buffalo Community Center.
Manes has voted in every election cycle going back decades while for Aiden, 18, this was the first time he could vote.
Yet, while interviewed separately and several minutes apart, both had the same motivation for making their way to the election booth this year.
"It's a civic duty and privilege," Manes said.
Aiden echoed that same sentiment.
"It's a right," he said. "It is our duty to go out an vote."
In Buffalo, the election is highlighted by the Mayoral race where State Sen. Sean Ryan, the endorsed Democratic Party candidate, is running against attorney and Republican party-backed James Gardner and Independent candidate Michael Gainer.
This marks the first mayoral election in 20 years where none of the candidates are incumbents.
Jeremy Zellner, Erie County Board of Elections commissioner and county Democratic Party chairman, thinks county-wide the total turnout will be around 40% of the 635,000 registered voters.
"For an 'off-year' cycle, that's about average," Zellner said.
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Voting at several North Buffalo and Delaware District polling sites was average to slightly below average, according to a very informal poll conducted by WBEN.
That doesn't surprise someone like Manes.
"Sometimes I think people just get too comfortable," Manes said.
Meanwhile, the Town of Amherst also has an election this year for Town Supervisor with no incumbent in the running for re-election. Brian Kulpa is stepping away from office at the end of the year after serving two terms in office after being elected in 2017.
Running for Town Supervisor of Amherst is Deputy Town Supervisor, and Democratic candidate Shawn Lavin against Republican candidate Dan Gagliardo.
A number of Amherst residents also felt their civic obligation to head out to the polls and cast their votes this Election Day.
"Look at all the places that can't vote, that don't get to share their voice," said Danielle with WBEN.
Other residents heading to the polls on Tuesday are hoping for some change in Amherst with this election.
"We feel we agree with lower taxes and things like that," said Dwayne with WBEN.
Polls in Erie County remain open until 9 p.m.
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