Wantagh and Seaford Voters Strike Early

Showing their stars and stripes early Tuesday morning, Wantagh and Seaford voters headed to the polls to take part in the most expensive midterm election in history and play a role in deciding the many local and statewide that are up for grabs.

"With the economy and the world the way it is right now, we really need a change," said Judy Romano of Wantagh after voting at . "I am hoping that this election will help."

Seaford resident Anthony Arnone also said that the economy weighed heavily on his vote today after casting his ballot at . "I voted because it's patriotic and it's my right, but I don't like the direction that this country is going," he said.

For many local voters Tuesday is the first time using New York State's new OPTical scan electronic voting system. Voters at Wantagh High School and Seaford Manor School seemed to have a solid handle on the new machines early Tuesday with no questions or problems observed. Turnout was moderate with no lines but voters constantly trickling in and out of both precincts.

Marion DelGiudice of Seaford said that she was happy to vote because it is a privilege that all Americans should be proud to have. "It's our right and we have to do it as citizens," she said. "We are lucky that we have the right."

Wantagh resident Jim Wandzilak said he votes all the time because he feels it's his duty as an American citizen to play a role in who ends up in power. "It's our duty to vote for those who we want to represent us," said Wandzilak. "Plus, it gives me the right to complain – if you don't vote, you can't complain about the decisions that are made."

"We live in a democracy and we have the right to choose who represents us," said Jeffrey Cohen of Wantagh after voting at Wantagh High School.

"I vote every year," said John Duenges of Seaford. "We should be able to decide on the people that we want to represent us."

Polls will remain open until 9 p.m. To find your polling location log onto http://www.vote411.org/pollfinder.php.