If you needed reaffirmation of the democratic process, you need not look any further than Plainview on Tuesday.
Despite suffering through a cataclysmic hurricane and a week without power, Plainview residents scrambled to allow its residents their basic right to vote.
Just after 5 p.m., two make-shift polling places were picking up steady traffic, but lines were moving smoothly, polling officials said. The efficiency in evidence came despite losing power in several regular Plainview polling places.
Earlier, readers reported no lines and short waits through the afternoon at the Plainview Water District and at the Mid-Island Y JCC. Both sites were last minute substitutes after some Plainview polling places lacked power in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
At the Y JCC, poll worker Michele Turk said three voting districts had been combined into one conference room but voters and workers were moving the lines along swiftly.
Nearby, employees of the Plainview Water District, using glow sticks, worked to find parking spaces for those arriving to work. The district's lot is limited. The Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School's lot was full but, again, turnout was efficient and growing as the evening went on.
The polls remain open until 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Revised Polling Places:
Because of power outages remaining at some local elementary schools, polling places have been changed:
- If you usually vote at Mattlin Middle School or Jamaica Avenue, you should vote at the Mid Island Y JCC.at Manetto Hill Road and Washington Avenue.
- If you usually vote at Fern Place Elementary School, you should vote at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School's Auxiliary Gym.
- If you usually vote at Parkway Elementary School, you should vote at the at Manetto Hill Road just north of Old Country Road.
- If you usually vote at Old Bethpage Elementary School, you will still be able to vote there. The school is closed but the polling place will be open.
Patch will update this story as the evening goes on. Please send us your photos of polling place activities, lines, and happenings. Upload them directly here.
