“In her first term, Karen McMahon has proven to be an effective advocate for Western New Yorkers in the State Assembly, and a great partner in state government. She’s committed to helping Western New Yorkers return to work safely and helping businesses reopen. Karen will also continue her work in Albany to fight for education funding, environmental measures, voting reform, gun violence prevention, and accessible and affordable health care. Karen shares my view that elected officials should strive to make society healthier, safer, more prosperous and more equitable. I am proud to endorse her candidacy for the State Assembly.” -Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Karen McMahon Endorsed for Re-Election by Rep. Brian Higgins
“Assemblymember Karen McMahon takes seriously her commitment to serve the people of Western New York, I saw that first-hand when we came together to honor local WWII and Korean War heroes earlier this year. Western New York needs effective voices in Albany and we have one in Karen who leads with strength, heart and intellect. This community is well served with Karen McMahon fighting for us in the New York State Assembly and I am proud to endorse her re-election.” -Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY)
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Endorses Karen McMahon for Re-Election
"Karen McMahon has been a fierce advocate for women in her first two years in the New York State Assembly. Her relentless commitment to women's rights and access to women's healthcare by codifying Roe v. Wade is admirable. She is the right voice to have in Albany fighting for us. I am honored to endorse Karen for re-election." -Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul Endorses Karen McMahon for Re-Election
“Karen McMahon is a proven leader who has been a tireless advocate for the residents of the 146th Assembly District. Her passion for accessible and affordable education, health care, and protecting our environment is helping improve the quality of life for the people of Williamsville, Amherst and Pendleton. She has also fought to safeguard the interests of women, people of color, and underserved people and is helping reimagine a more inclusive future. I'm proud to endorse Karen McMahon for State Assembly.” -New York Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul
Assemblymember Karen McMahon and Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul (August 2019)
Everyone Should Make a Voting Plan Now
Election Day on November 3 will be the most significant in recent history. With so much on the line, making your voice heard is more important than ever. It’s never too early to think about how to cast a ballot and make a voting plan.
If you are not yet registered to vote and want to participate in this election, it’s not too late to register. Visit the Erie County Board of Elections (BOE) website at www.elections.erie.gov to register to vote or check your registration status. If you are a resident of Niagara County, visit elections.niagara.ny.us. You must be registered at least 25 days prior to the election in order to vote. That means the deadline to register for the general election is October 9.
While a great deal of media attention has been devoted to absentee ballots, we now have the option of early voting in New York State. I was proud to co-sponsor early voting legislation last year, especially now that expanded voting options are so important in the context of the global pandemic. Early voting in both Erie and Niagara counties begins October 24 and continues through November 1. In Erie County, early voting polling places will be open from noon to 9 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 6 p.m. on weekends. In Niagara County, early voting polling locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, noon to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. If you are an Erie County resident, your ballot may be cast at any one of the 37 polling sites across Erie County. If you are a Niagara County resident, your ballot may be cast at either of the two polling sites in Niagara County. The BOE website has a complete list of early voting locations. In Amherst, early voting will be available at the Amherst Senior Center, 370 John James Audubon Parkway. In Pendleton, the closest location is the Cornell Cooperative Extension (Niagara County Fairgrounds) at 4487 Lake Avenue in Lockport.
I encourage everyone who is able to do so to take advantage of early voting. Early voting allows you to cast a ballot when it is most convenient for you and to avoid the crowds and lines on Election Day. Both the Amherst Senior Center, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension are large, spacious facilities where social distancing will be the norm. Wear a mask and bring your hand sanitizer to minimize risk. Voting early also ensures that your vote is counted on Election Day, unlike absentee ballots. Not having to wait for outstanding absentee ballots will allow for a more complete count on election night, a time when we will surely need as much clarity as possible.
If you prefer to vote by absentee ballot, the Governor recently signed legislation to promote the timely use of absentee ballots during the COVID-19 pandemic and minimize the chance that such ballots will be held invalid. The most significant provision allows a voter to obtain an absentee ballot due to the risk or fear of illness including COVID-19. Please note, if you requested an absentee ballot for the primary/special election in June, you must make a new request. Absentee ballots can be obtained electronically by visiting the BOE website, or by calling the Erie County BOE at (716) 858-7818, or the Niagara County BOE at (716) 438-4041 during business hours. Absentee ballots postmarked on or before Election Day will be counted if received by November 10. If you choose to vote by absentee ballot, request your ballot now and mail it back as soon as possible to guarantee that it arrives in time to be counted. Additionally, absentee ballots can be dropped off at the Board of Elections office, 134 West Eagle Street in Buffalo, or for Niagara County residents, 111 Main Street, Suite 100 in Lockport, any of the early voting sites during the early voting period, or your polling place on Election Day. You can also track your absentee ballot request on the BOE website.
The importance and urgency of this election is clear. Given the unpredictability of the times we are living in due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential confusion surrounding the voting process, making a plan now is the best way to guarantee your vote is counted and your voice is heard. If you wish to help your fellow citizens cast their ballots, you can apply to be a paid elections inspector on the BOE website.