Who Votes? A Look at Voting and Income in Monroe County

As Golden Day approaches – the one day where NYS voters can register to vote and vote in one fell swoop – CGR shares its examination of voting patterns in Monroe County.

In collaboration with the League of Women Voters-Rochester Metro, CGR looked at trends in voting and households across Monroe County for the 2024 General Election. To explore our interactive maps and read our analysis, see the Monroe County Voter Turnout StoryMap.

CGR found that a neighborhood's median household income is strongly connected to voter participation: Voter turnout jumps dramatically once you move past the lowest-income neighborhoods. Only 49% of registered voters in the lowest-income areas cast a ballot, compared to 70% in the next tier up, 75% in the middle-to-upper tier, and 79% in the highest-income areas.

CGR is part of a nonpartisan countywide coalition including the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) that is dedicated to increasing civic participation through two major initiatives: free transportation to the polls and a community celebration marking Golden Day this Saturday, Oct. 24.

Golden Day is a unique opportunity for eligible New Yorkers to register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day at any early voting site.
See more at: https://www.monroecounty.gov/elections-events

“We know that voting is lower among some populations, including younger people and lower-income residents. Golden Day is a great opportunity for those who haven’t yet exercised this civic right to get involved,” said Erika Rosenberg, President and CEO of CGR.

To learn more about CGR’s analysis, contact Erika Rosenberg. 

October 22, 2026 CGR Briefs Edition