Voters in Northern New York head to polls for 115th assembly district special election

Election Day in Northern New York is underway, and one of the biggest races up for vote is the special election in the 115th Assembly District. Voters are deciding between Democrat Michael Cashman and Republican Brent Davison in the special election to fill the seat left vacant by Billy Jones earlier this year. Residents we spoke with said they just want someone who understands life in the North Country and will be understanding toward their concerns. The 115th District covers Clinton and Franklin counties, as well as part of Essex County.Former Assemblyman Billy Jones stepped down in August to pursue other opportunities in higher education and spend time with family. Now, residents in Plattsburgh said they’re ready for new leadership. “We’ll see how it turns out. I just hope that whatever candidate gets chosen is somebody who can actually benefit the community, because we need it,” said Julie Merritt, a Plattsburgh resident. Both of the candidates running for Jones’ seat are familiar faces in the North Country. Cashman is the current Plattsburgh town supervisor, while Davison is a retired state trooper and U.S. Army veteran.Even after a short campaign period, residents said they’re glad to have the opportunity to choose the best candidate for the job. ” having a chance to say something and be part of who you’re picking and having a say in it,” said Todd Simpson, a Plattsburgh resident. Others, meanwhile, see the voting process as an important part of their civic duty. “You got to be American. You got to go out to vote. That’s how my voice is heard. That’s how get our freedom,” said Josh and Kasey, who live in Plattsburgh. Some said they’ve seen more civic engagement this year, and said they hope that continues into the election.”Everybody needs to get involved. That’s the big thing. We saw with the No Kings protests that people are wanting to get involved in these types of things, which I think in the past has been a little less the case in this area, especially,” said Tim Dufrane, another Plattsburgh resident. “To see that change come into play, it’s definitely a sign that people are looking for that change.”Those who have already voted early said the process was quick and efficient.”It went great. The people there are really helpful and spirited, and I think that voting is a privilege in this country. So get out there and vote,” said Plattsburgh resident Bill Wood.The winner of the special election will fill the rest of the term for one year, until the next election cycle. Polls close at 9 p.m. on Tuesday. NBC5 will bring you the latest updates as results come in.

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. —

Election Day in Northern New York is underway, and one of the biggest races up for vote is the special election in the 115th Assembly District.

Voters are deciding between Democrat Michael Cashman and Republican Brent Davison in the special election to fill the seat left vacant by Billy Jones earlier this year.

Residents we spoke with said they just want someone who understands life in the North Country and will be understanding toward their concerns.

The 115th District covers Clinton and Franklin counties, as well as part of Essex County.

Former Assemblyman Billy Jones stepped down in August to pursue other opportunities in higher education and spend time with family.

Now, residents in Plattsburgh said they’re ready for new leadership.

“We’ll see how it turns out. I just hope that whatever candidate gets chosen is somebody who can actually benefit the community, because we need it,” said Julie Merritt, a Plattsburgh resident.

Both of the candidates running for Jones’ seat are familiar faces in the North Country. Cashman is the current Plattsburgh town supervisor, while Davison is a retired state trooper and U.S. Army veteran.

Even after a short campaign period, residents said they’re glad to have the opportunity to choose the best candidate for the job.

“[It’s about] having a chance to say something and be part of who you’re picking and having a say in it,” said Todd Simpson, a Plattsburgh resident.

Others, meanwhile, see the voting process as an important part of their civic duty.

“You got to be American. You got to go out to vote. That’s how my voice is heard. That’s how [we] get our freedom,” said Josh and Kasey, who live in Plattsburgh.

Some said they’ve seen more civic engagement this year, and said they hope that continues into the election.

“Everybody needs to get involved. That’s the big thing. We saw with the No Kings protests that people are wanting to get involved in these types of things, which I think in the past has been a little less the case in this area, especially,” said Tim Dufrane, another Plattsburgh resident. “To see that change come into play, it’s definitely a sign that people are looking for that change.”

Those who have already voted early said the process was quick and efficient.

“It went great. The people there are really helpful and spirited, and I think that voting is a privilege in this country. So get out there and vote,” said Plattsburgh resident Bill Wood.

The winner of the special election will fill the rest of the term for one year, until the next election cycle.

Polls close at 9 p.m. on Tuesday. NBC5 will bring you the latest updates as results come in.