With Election Day on Nov. 3 approaching, the Monroe County Board of Elections is ramping up preparations to ensure voters have a smooth and secure voting experience. Election workers are undergoing training, voting machines are being tested, and local organizations are intensifying efforts to encourage voter registration and participation.

As part of National Voter Registration Day, the Rochester City School District is helping students understand the importance of civic participation. Executive Director of Social Studies Ryan Keating said students will not only learn about the voting process but will also have dedicated time to register, pre-register, or verify their voter registration status.

Beyond schools, community organizations are also stepping up. Aqua Porter, of the anti-poverty advocacy group RMAPI, said her team is working to make voting more meaningful by connecting elections to the everyday issues that affect residents.

"We have to do a better job of showing people how voting impacts their daily lives and their priorities," Porter said.

During a news conference on Monday, election commissioners addressed questions surrounding ongoing legal disputes over federal mail ballot policies and concerns some voters have about returning ballots through the U.S. Postal Service.

Democratic Elections Commissioner Jackie Ortiz reassured voters that anyone uncomfortable mailing a ballot can deliver it directly to the Board of Elections office, where it will be processed securely.

Republican Elections Commissioner Peter Elder also reminded residents that every early voting location will feature secure ballot drop boxes. On Election Day, voters can also return completed mail or absentee ballots at any of the county's 210 polling locations, where the drop boxes remain under the supervision of election inspectors.

Monroe County officials continue encouraging voters to register early, confirm their registration status, and make a plan for casting their ballots well before Election Day. According to the Board of Elections, early voting will run from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1, while polls across the county will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 3.