As part of our commitment to keeping the community informed, Lake Erie Times is tracking the upcoming local elections. On Wednesday, March 18, residents across Western New York will cast their ballots in various village elections. These contests, spanning from Genesee County down to Chautauqua County, represent the most direct form of local government leadership, impacting everything from local infrastructure to public safety.
Key Races: Mayoral and Trustee Contests
This election cycle is marked by several high-profile mayoral races that will determine the executive direction of several key communities. Beyond the mayor’s office, numerous trustee seats are also up for grabs, providing a fresh opportunity for residents to influence their village boards.
| Village | Offices on Ballot |
|---|---|
| Allegany, Gowanda, Springville | Mayor, Trustees |
| East Aurora, Albion, Medina | Mayor, Trustees |
| Belmont, Farnham, Arcade | Trustee Seats |
| Silver Springs, Warsaw | Trustee Seats |
The Lancaster Firefighter Referendum
In the Village of Lancaster, voters face a critical decision regarding their volunteer emergency services. A specific referendum on the ballot addresses proposed amendments to the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP). This municipal-funded initiative acts as a pension-like incentive to encourage and retain volunteer firefighters.
A “yes” vote would extend the maximum allowable service credit from 30 to 40 years and lower the entitlement age from 65 to 62. Proponents argue these changes are necessary to sustain volunteer levels in an era of decreasing civic participation. A “no” vote would leave the current program requirements unchanged.
Analysis: The Challenge of Uncontested Elections
A persistent trend in Western New York politics is the high frequency of uncontested races. In Genesee County, for example, every race on the ballot lacks a challenger. Similarly, the majority of seats in Allegany and Cattaraugus counties feature only enough candidates to fill the available vacancies. While this ensures administrative continuity, it highlights a growing need for greater civic engagement in local politics.
How to Find Your Polling Information
Navigating village election data can be difficult because these elections are managed by individual village clerks rather than county-wide boards of elections. This decentralization often results in a lack of unified digital resources. However, some counties are bridging this gap by providing sample ballots and candidate lists:
- Cattaraugus County Election Info
- Allegany County Board of Elections
- Chautauqua County Candidate List
For those in villages without an online presence, Lake Erie Times recommends contacting your village office directly to confirm voting hours and locations. While most polls are open from noon to 9 p.m., hours can vary by municipality.
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