Voters Hit the Polls in Malverne, West Hempstead

"This year is very important," Scottie Coads, the Democratic Leader for the Lakeview community, told Patch Tuesday morning outside her local polling place, the Lakeview Public Library.

"Most people think this is an 'off' year, but this is a real 'on' year," she said. "We need to make sure we get the best people in office now so we can face 2012 and 2013 head on with progressive elected officials."

Polls opened at 6 a.m. this morning at the Lakeview and West Hempstead public libraries, the West Hempstead fire house, Maurice W. Downing Primary School, Eagle Avenue School, and Howard T. Herber and West Hempstead Middle Schools. A small number of voters chose to hit the polls between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. in Malverne, West Hempstead and Lakeview. What brought them out?

Redistricting was a concern for Coads, who was hopeful that her Nassau County legislator, Democrat Robert Troiano, would prevail over Karin Campbell in his bid for re-election in District 2.

"We need to keep our base strong and...he's a great guy," she added.

Taxes motivated Malvernite Matt Gallagher, a small business owner, to cast his votes this morning at Howard T. Herber Middle School.

"I'm going with what I think are the right choices for myself and working families," he said, explaining that taxes need to be lowered or atleast frozen.

"For the most part, it always seems like the wheels are spinning here, but [things] always stay the same," fellow Malverne resident Kevin Lyons said after casting his ballot.

Lyons said he sensed there was  "a little bit of an uproar with [Hempstead Town Supervisor] Kate Murray" this year, adding, "I'm not sure if it's because of the Coliseum, but that was my impetus to come out."

A number of Republicans, including Murray, who is running against newcomer Gary Port, the Democratic candidate for Supervisor, are up for re-election this year in the Town of Hempstead. ( for Q & A's with all local candidates.)

"This would be a great year to take over the Town," Coads said. "The Town is the nut we have yet to crack...but we feel positive that our candidates are going to do well."

A handful of loyal Republicans made sure to hit the polls early too including Russell Harris and Waymound Smith, both of Lakeview, who said they always support their party. The Republican candidates also received the support of one committee member in West Hempstead who casted his votes at the West Hempstead Public Library but wished to remain anonymous.

Polls will stay open until 9 p.m. Continue to check Patch for more updates throughout the day and results tonight!