This week's question:      

The long-delayed Farm Bill has been approved by both the U.S. Senate and House agricultural committees with several million dollars in cuts to the Food Stamp program, now called SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Do you think a cut to the Food Stamp program will be detrimental to St. Lawrence County residents in need?

 Take the NCNow Survey. Due to the holiday deadline, results will be posted Friday, May 24.

Last week's question:

The state Assembly recently passed a bill to allow voters to cast a ballot early, up to 15 days before a general election. Gov. Andrew Cuomo says early voting strengthens democracy by making voting easier, more convenient and promoting higher turnout. St. Lawrence County Elections Commissioners Jennie Bacon and Tom Nichols have expressed concern about the extra expenses associated with staffing and equipment for early voting.

Do you think the costs of early voting are outweighed by the potential increase in voter turnout?

66.1 % -- No

30.0 % -- Yes

4.0 % -- Unsure

Total responses: 277

Total comments: 109

Here are your comments:

Only vote on one day

5/20/2013 9:05 AM

JUST GIVES THE DEMOCRATS MORE TIME TO RIG THE ELECTIONS.

5/20/2013 8:51 AM

We are a democracy, and all voters should be given every opportunity to vote. Anyone trying to dream up arguments to inhibit voting is only promoting a political agenda that is not democratic.

5/20/2013 8:42 AM

People are not yoting because their fed up with lying, crooked, scamming politicians. This is only to benefit the politicians at the expense of taxpayers. Everyone needs to vote in all new political leaders as it is the only way to change how the Gov. is run. Get rid of all these scumbags.

5/20/2013 7:12 AM

if you aren't going to be here on the day we have to vote at least your voice can still be heard by voting early,a lot of other places are doing it,why should we always be the last or behind the rest of the world in everything we do in northern ny.

5/19/2013 11:28 PM

Who really cares. Nobody helps us.

5/19/2013 10:37 PM

I THINK IT IS CRAZY..WHY DO WE NEED EARLY VOTING WHEN WE HAVE ABSENTEE BALLOTING..

5/19/2013 4:50 PM

So they can have 15 more days to us

5/19/2013 11:15 AM

Currently, the State is having many financial difficulties. At a time when we are cutting jobs across the state, how can we afford to pay to have our polls open for a longer period of time? People just need to get off of their lazy butts and vote on voting day. If they are not responsible enough to vote, oh well. The polling places are open long enough to allow people to vote no matter which shift they might have to work at their job. Early voting should not be utilized in NYS due to the high costs that are associated with it.

5/19/2013 9:21 AM

Now pass a law saying that all advertising for the crooks should stop 15 days earlier as well.

5/19/2013 9:07 AM

Since the voters can Vote by absentee ballot, early voting is not necessary. There is nothing preventing voters coming to vote on election day. If people can stand in line for hours to purchase a lottery ticket, the short wait in line to vote shouldn't bother them.

5/19/2013 7:47 AM

If the results from the early voting aren't issued until after the elections, along with the election day results, then I am for it. Personally I think its just another way for the government to have more control.

5/18/2013 9:14 PM

Another way to spend tax dollars for no return or benefit!

5/18/2013 12:56 AM

The states economy is in the red as it is why do something to put more burden upon then tax payer. Only the wealthy Are unconcerned on where their next check is coming from.

5/18/2013 9:44 AM

Foolish

5/18/2013 5:36 AM

People are either going to vote or not. The polls are open early and remain open into the evening, Voter can cast their vote prior to or after work. Most people who choose not to vote do so because they may feel it's a waste of time and thier votes don't make a difference. Extending the time frame would cause undo expense and make voting more complicated as far as counts and recounts. As it is absentee ballots are counted after the election and with 15 days of voting prior to election day we could be looking at a month before votes are tallied Don't we have have more pressing issues that need to be addressed? This is not the time to add yet another financial burden to tax payers.

5/18/2013 4:56 AM

Vote on election day or file for an absentee ballot. Early voting is a sham and only allows for greater fraud. Our rights are being taken away from us and they want to make it easier for people to game the system. Vote on election day, require an ID to vote (drivers or non-drivers ID), and stop the games. Our society is at risk.

5/17/2013 6:22 PM

This gives more people a chance to vote.

5/17/2013 1:54 PM

Early voting only increases the chance of fraud.

5/17/2013 10:02 AM

More fraud.

5/17/2013 9:31 AM

Funny how only the democrats want early voting but they do not want anything to do with voter ID. Pass voter ID law first, then we can discuss early voting.

5/17/2013 5:32 AM

I think lack of confidence in the candidates is the force behind lack of turn out. It's kinda hard to care about voting when the result is the same misrepresentation, mismanagement, and lack of accountability as always.

5/16/2013 6:14 PM

The state is always crying poor and will do anything it can to get our money. It time they stop spending and think about how to say money without taking people jobs away. We don't need another day for voting. We already have a day plus early voting by mail, if you are not able to get to the poles on election day.

5/16/2013 4:05 PM

There has always been enough time for people to vote with 1 voting day and it is already expensive to staff from early in the AM to 8 or so at night.

5/16/2013 3:17 PM

What happened top mail in votes. If you can't make it to vote on that day, then request a mail in vote.

5/16/2013 11:53 AM

Election Day should remain as THE day to vote! Enough said!

5/16/2013 8:18 AM

I feel that as long as we do our part advertising that voters can take advantage of early voting, it would be a good deal for the county. I know that many people do not vote because they are too busy to make it. If they had a two week time frame to vote in, it would allow them to plan it into their schedule. Most of the poll workers are volunteers aren't they? How much could the costs be?

5/16/2013 5:30 AM

Other options are available for those not available on election day

5/15/2013 10:41 PM

people that want to vote will find the time. Extra days will make no difference. It will not be worth the extra cost.

5/15/2013 8:54 PM

Keep it one day.

5/15/2013 7:45 PM

If the State pays for it,

5/15/2013 6:30 PM

Just another way for more corruption and voters fraud .

5/15/2013 3:12 PM

If people are too lazy to go to the poles on election day then we don't need their vote.

5/15/2013 1:09 PM

Just raise the County Tax again!

5/15/2013 12:41 AM

Heck, let's let everyone vote every day of the year. Politicians are in full time campaign mode all the time anyway. Seriously, if you are in the military or have a legitimate excuse previously accepted by the elections board you should be able too vote when possible. If you just feel like voting 2 weeks early, no. What this does is even if they are not supposed to know (corruption? not here) candidates can see where they are weak an create new lies to bolster support prior to the end of the election.

5/15/2013 11:42 AM

The pundits contend that voting early deprives folks of the opportunity to change their minds at the last moment based upon newly dug up "trash" about the candidate one votes for. Spoken as artfully as all of the "marketing" BS on the media which is used to convince folks to overeat, buy throw away crap, buy unneeded "stuff", ., ., .

5/15/2013 11:31 AM

If our Gov. things it's a good idea and good for the State, then run, something 'stinks' here! Somehow we the people will pay now or later!

5/15/2013 11:16 AM

it will lead to more voter fraud. People can vote by absentee ballot

5/15/2013 10:18 AM

I'm republicans will be opposed because of costs... Real reason; they don't like to give citizens a chance to vote , especially if they happen to be poor , black, Hispanic or all others that are not wasps !

5/15/2013 10:13 AM

How about having elections on a Saturday like the rest of the world. It would give workers which are your main tax dollars a better chance to vote....

5/15/2013 9:10 AM

This is what are country is built on, it is what we were founded on. What is more important than insuring everyone has the opportunity and right to vote, no matter what your schedule is? Peoples lives are hectic, things come up. people need the extra opportunity to make sure they can exercise their right. One day a year to decide who runs our country, I feel our country is a little more important than that.

5/15/2013 8:17 AM

In no way what so ever is it needed. Another way for democrates to cheat and rig elections.

5/15/2013 7:43 AM

the bill could increase voter fraud

5/15/2013 6:21 AM

Although I disagree with Mr. Cuomo on many matters, this is not one of them. The cost to insure the voice of the people is heard is money well spent.

5/15/2013 6:14 AM

We do not live in a big city there is no reason a person can not make it to the polls here during the hours we have set. You can either vote on your way to work or coming home or just out running around from store to store.If you really want to vote you can find a way they sure found a way back before everyone had cars, We already have absentee papers if you don;t think you can get to the polls then send and get them and fill them out, aren't our tax dollars being pulled into enough areas without adding one more to it.besides is there proof this will increase turn out. Where in St Lawrence county has there ever been a poll so full no one got to vote if this is the case then make a rulling it can stay open till everyone there has voted wouldn't that make more sense since the people are already there to help with the job.then hire someone for maybe a few people a day to show up.

5/15/2013 12:27 AM

Yes, I think it is great to offer early voting. But the question is rather hard to answer since you don't indicate how large a cost it is to do this. Further, if volunteers are used at voting sites, why can't volunteers be used to administer the processes required for early voting. We need to think out side the box instead of always asking the public to pay more. I'm tapped out as far as taxes.

5/14/2013 10:38 PM

With absentee balots available there is no need for early voting. Just more room for manipulation. Needless expense.

5/14/2013 10:04 PM

Election Day is on a certain date. Get out and vote. Early voting is just another way to dumb down our population. We are coddling them. The election day should be fixed, and if you choose not to get out and vote on that day, tough. Rules are rules. Maybe we should give you lazy 365 days to vote? That is where this is headed. Every one wants it "easy". Buck up and get to the polls on electin day!

5/14/2013 8:40 PM

I'll think about supporting it when a picture ID is required to cast your ballot. Until then, no expanded voting. Why can't people vote on the proper day? I work full time but somehow manage to do cast my ballot.

5/14/2013 7:00 PM

Absolutely not.

5/14/2013 7:00 PM

Besides being costly, it makes it easier to further corrupt the process.

5/14/2013 3:08 PM

Given the extreme efforts Republican legislators have gone to to enact laws making it difficult to impossible for some to vote I commend the State Assembly for taking the high road to ensure that the public has every opportunity possible to vote.

5/14/2013 3:08 PM

Absolutely not ! Early voting could open the possibility of corruption and dishonesty. Other than absentee voting, vote on election day with everyone else !

5/14/2013 2:11 PM

I'm sure a bunch of illegals will be hired. They've already taken the rest of our jobs!

5/14/2013 2:00 PM

the early voters should use absentee ballots.

5/14/2013 1:38 PM

Need more info, but I like the idea of earlier and easier voting.

5/14/2013 12:04 AM

15 DAY IS TOO MUCH.

5/14/2013 11:53 AM

Who cant make time to vote? I suppose we should just mail,E mail, or fax our vote in. -What would our founding fathers say.In other countrys people walk miles to vote.This really is sad.

5/14/2013 9:58 AM

it you want early voting, use mail ballots like absentee votes.

5/14/2013 9:34 AM

I don't think any one in any state should be allowed early voting.

5/14/2013 8:35 AM

Maybe add a couple of days on either side of the of the original voteing day but 15 days are way to much and besides where are the taxpayers going to come up with even more money to pay out for this program ? Just add another tax ?

5/14/2013 7:54 AM

Hell no. It just lets lazy people be lazier and allows various groups to manipulate early exit polls to their advantage.

5/14/2013 7:52 AM

with voter fraud going on...........this only gives some extra time to vote multiple times like we've seen in the past couple of elections.....way to go clowns!

5/14/2013 7:01 AM

absentee ballots is the way to go.

5/14/2013 5:38 AM

why even bother the politicians are going to do it there way i say kick them all to the curb

5/14/2013 4:50 AM

Gov. Cuomo says "early voting strengthens democracy"?! Just like ramming bills through the legislature is democratic? This is a totally self-serving ploy... The less time the "polls are open" the less time there is for tampering. Only people with money can afford to run for office. Let's not give them more time to assert their self interest. If the polling time was extended, we'd all be insane due to the robo-calls, advertising, etc., etc. that has nothing to do with representing the will of the people. One day is plenty!

5/13/2013 10:18 PM

Of course the democrats want more early voting so they can fix the elections.

5/13/2013 10:15 PM

No, I want my vote to count, if i happen to be away on election day.

5/13/2013 8:22 PM

Vote for the bums early......I don't think so.

5/13/2013 8:06 PM

I do not think it will change voter turnout. Every school & county is having problems with state cutbacks yet they want to pay for this. Don't think so.

5/13/2013 8:03 PM

The few extra votes that may be made do not outweigh the eaxtra cost that will be incurred!

5/13/2013 6:37 PM

Yes, the costs, and other downfalls, outweigh any "convenience" factors! What is this, "Vote early, vote often!" in the making? Nonesense! The election should be one day only. What if significant issues arise a few days before the election that would change your mind on who to vote for, but you altready voted "early"? This is a joke! It doesn't address any serious issue facing us and solves nothing. It will likely create more problems. Yet another foolish contrivance by greedy politicians!

5/13/2013 5:26 PM

Monies spent to benefit the politicians is not where we want to spend. Find a way that the people are benefited than I can rally around that. Cuomo is not working for the benefit of the people. Unfortunately if this is something he wants he'll just have another midnight run at it and we'll just have to eat it once again

5/13/2013 5:23 PM

early voting is a crock! just more potential for crookedness.

5/13/2013 5:17 PM

do not do it!

5/13/2013 4:45 PM

Anything can happen in the last 2 weeks of the election, causing a person to change their mind. Vote on election day.

5/13/2013 4:42 PM

Give me a break. Another way to waste my tax dollars. What's the point of having "election day" if people can vote anytime they want? Our polls aren't so busy that people can't wait in line 5 minutes, and they are open for 12 hours or more per day, that is plenty of time to get your butts to the polls.

5/13/2013 4:27 PM

Bacon and Nichols should be fired for their opposition.

5/13/2013 4:24 PM

The same people go out to vote, whether it's early or not. The same voters send in their ballots if they are going to be out of town. These things don't change. Tell the voters they can get a coupon for a free big mac or drink and they will show up. Instant gratification for something good works, not knowing if the person you're voting in will, doesn't.

5/13/2013 4:05 PM

Who is going to pay for the election inspectors for several days of sitting staring at each other? I would bet not the state but the local county governments. If you want better turnout, try a Saturday instead of a Tuesday. Another unfunded mandate!

5/13/2013 3:55 PM

It's a blantant waste of money.

5/13/2013 3:17 PM

People are too lazy to get to the polls like the rest of us, so be it. Why cater to the lazy?

5/13/2013 3:08 PM

If people really want to vote they will find a way! Another option is 2 days or more leeway on the use of the absentee ballot.

5/13/2013 3:03 PM

No more taxes! Perod! That extra money has to come from someone's pockets and mine is always included! No more taxes!

5/13/2013 3:01 PM

What if an event happens after you cast your ballot that makes you change your mind about the candidate you voted for. With the polls open 6-9 everyone has a chance to vote on election day.

5/13/2013 2:38 PM

But, we are taking the wrong approach. We should follow the example of Oregon and have all voting by mail in ballot that can be sent in anytime after it is received by the registered voter.

5/13/2013 2:19 PM

Just another unfunded mandate from the Cuomoism office.

5/13/2013 2:19 PM

Just gives crooks more opportunities to commit voter fraud!

5/13/2013 1:45 PM

Just another way to spend money we don't have.

5/13/2013 1:44 PM

Absentee ballots are already available at minimal cost. People should recognize their civic duty and vote. Lots of things in life are not convenient. If you don't vote then don't complain when idiots rule your life!

5/13/2013 1:35 PM

Anything that helps more voters to cast their ballots can only be a good thing.

5/13/2013 1:25 PM

Costs cannot control everything. I think the potential for voter increases vastly outweigh the costs.

5/13/2013 1:17 PM

That's obviousily not the reason, is it.

5/13/2013 1:16 PM

The new process is more complex anyhow. We've gone backwards at the polls with the fill in the dots instead of the other machines used for years.

5/13/2013 12:56 AM

I seriously doubt there would be any substantial increase in voter turnout. This exercise will simply drive up costs. What a joke!

5/13/2013 12:55 AM

I think in such a rural area with a widespread but relatively small tax base, the costs are prohibitive. I also think the practice, in general, of "early" voting leaves the process itself more open to instances of the corrupt voting practices which have always been the bell-weather in places like Chicago -- "Vote early, vote often!"

5/13/2013 12:53 AM

I think early voting opens up voting rights to all St'Lawrence County residents especially those who live in the outer cities/towns and those who have transportation problems

5/13/2013 12:46 AM

Voting is a right. Early voting will make it easier to cast a ballot.

5/13/2013 12:41 AM

Just what are the costs? Some cost; yes it's worht it, but too much cost; not worth it!

5/13/2013 11:54 AM

I think it's ridiculous to have early voting. Vote when you're supposed to, like it's been for years. This is a stupid ploy to try and get more people to vote when the fact of the matter is people have lost faith in democracy, everyone knows government is being run by big business and lobbyists. So why bother with a vote at all? Save the extra expense...

5/13/2013 11:50 AM

If people truly want to vote, they will show up on voting day no matter what. I agree with the commissioners.

5/13/2013 11:38 AM

If someone is interested in voting, they get to the polls. If the state Assembly wants this early voting, they should pay for it without our tax dollars!

5/13/2013 11:37 AM

citizens should make a priority of voting. This dilutes this civic duty

5/13/2013 11:26 AM

Not if limited polling places. One in Ogd,, one in Canton, one in Massena and other centers of population.

5/13/2013 11:09 AM

People will choose to vote or not. We have a day for voting called election day - people should be able to vote on that day or use an absentee ballot. There is no need for this additional expense.

5/13/2013 11:05 AM

The issue of early voting is yet another pathetic effort by the left to shamelessly pander to uninformed and unmotivated voters, 99% of whom vote Democratic. Sad.

5/13/2013 11:03 AM

Personally, I believe that all voting, with the exception of military should be done with everyone else on voting day. Some will use early voting just because they are too lazy to get out and vote on election day. These people do not deserve a vote.

5/13/2013 10:57 AM

Not sure, but why not just offer early voting for the national election, not local vacancies

5/13/2013 10:42 AM

vote on the voting date, not before or after.....

5/13/2013 10:30 AM