Duty and tradition: Voters turn out in Niskayuna

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jeff Wilkin

Share on Facebook

Save

NISKAYUNA — George Williams appreciates Election Day.

“We can vote in the United States of America,” said Williams, 94, after he cast his ballot inside the board room at Niskayuna Town Hall. “It’s a privilege to vote, all right.”

“It gives us the right to choose,” added Elizabeth Williams, 92, who agreed with her husband on the November tradition.

Voters made choices at Town Hall, schools and other spots around town, casting votes for supervisor, two members of the Town Board, town clerk and town justice.

Linda Conrad voted with her son John, 20.

“I want to be a good role model for my kids, so they exercise the right to vote,” Linda said.

Election Day is special to Marlee Rust.

“It’s an important part of our democracy, it’s a public duty,” she said.

Rust served in the armed forces from 1988 until 2012, and said she never had the chance to vote in a polling place. “I never got to for many years,” she said. “It’s important to vote, I appreciate it more because I didn’t get the chance to do it for so many years.”

Rebecca Fiveland brought her sons Andrew, 8, and James, 6, to Town Hall. Like other adults who brought children to the polls, Fiveland said she wanted to make sure the boys saw the voting process.

“It’s a gift,” she said, adding that people in other countries do not receive the same privilege.

Shawn Shopmyer showed his 1-year-old daughter Madeline the voting tables and machines. “It’s important people hear our voices,” he said. “This is Maddy’s second year.”