OBSERVER Photo League of Women Voters moderators Judy Reynolds, left, and Marcia Merrins did their best to keep the cheering in check.

Though voting has already begun, there are many who will continue a tradition of heading to the polls on the true Election Day this coming Tuesday. Numbers for the early voting have been somewhat impressive — and the process has taken pressure off those who may have had some type of conflict with the Nov. 5 date.

Area candidates, who all deserve a tip of the hat, will continue to work tirelessly to get their message out by going door-to-door this weekend. It’s been a long journey that started in February and in April when many candidates — due to that early voting change — needed to declare their intentions for the town, city, county or village positions.

Here are some of the items that have stood out — from the debates — and the campaigns in recent weeks:

¯ DUNKIRK VS. FREDONIA — When it came to rowdiness and enthusiasm, the city of Dunkirk was the winner hands down. In the League of Women Voters debate held in City Hall on Oct. 8, the council chambers were packed with support on both sides for the 10 candidates.Often, there were cheers when answers were appreciated by the crowd and there was a bit of an edge in the room.

Those who came to the podium to ask questions often wanted to add some opinion, which did not sit well with chief moderator Marcia Merrins. She did an excellent job keeping the conversation moving.

At the Fredonia Opera House, the discussion also was thought provoking and brought only one outburst of applause. That came when incumbent Mayor Athanasia Landis spoke of the work done to eliminate the discolored water problems in the James Place area of the village.

Merrins did make an obvious observation at both of the debates. “Many of you know who you will vote for,” she said. “So this debate really is not for you. It is for people who are undecided.”

¯ LOOKING UP — It is hard for us at our Second Street and Central Avenue location in the city to not feel as though we are being watched. At both corners of the intersection, incumbent Mayor Wilfred Rosas has a vertical banner attached to buildings with one that can be seen out the windows of our newsroom. It also does give an impression that the incumbent has his eyes on Dunkirk.

¯ LOUD AND CLEAR — During the debate at The Post-Journal in Jamestown between the state Senate candidates for the 57th District, Democrat Austin Morgan did not have any trouble expressing his views on a number of topics. However, due to his travels and meetings across the region, he was going hoarse. “It’s kind of fitting that I should lose my voice today,” he said Oct. 10 during his closing statement as he began referring to the open seat vacated by Catharine Young in March. “We’ve been voiceless in Albany for the last eight months. For many towns, for many families, they have felt voiceless for a long time.”

¯ HURRY UP — During the trustees portion of the Fredonia debate, candidate Dale Ricker said those who have concerns deserve more than three minutes to speak during Village Board meetings. In making his case, Ricker — who had 30 seconds to respond in answering a question in the League-sponsored event — ran out of time. “It’s denying them the full potential to bring out facts,” he said, attempting to beat the clock. “People don’t want to come to a board meeting and have somebody …”

“Thank you,” Merrins said, politely signaling his time had run out.

¯ ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT — First Ward Common Council candidate Dennis Welka, while making his closing statement, could have been charged with attempted humor on the evening of the city debate. “It feels nice being on this side of the gate, not in handcuffs,” he said. “Umm. Just kidding.” An uneasy laughter began to fill the council chambers, which also serves as city court.

A final verdict for Welka’s race, and all others, goes to the community jury of voters. Early voting continues today through Sunday and polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

John D’Agostino is the OBSERVER publisher. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 366-3000, ext. 401.