Some elected officials joined the thousands of Long Islanders who casted their ballots early.

Rep. Kathleen Rice, and state Sen. Kevin Thomas were at Brierley Park in Hempstead to vote Tuesday.

They say more than 55,000 Long Islanders have already voted, and they encourage everyone else to do the same.

"I encourage everyone to come out and vote in person, as long as you feel like you can do it safely," Rice says. "What I can tell you is that every single polling place that is open early now is following CDC guidelines."

Both Rep. Rice and state Sen. Thomas are seeking reelection this year.