As voters head to the polls, one of the races being watched closely is the contest for Erie County Sheriff.
Republican Tim Howard has been the Erie County Sheriff since 2005 and he is hoping to win a 4th term. Howard is being challenged by Democrat Bernie Tolbert.
Tim Howard has over 40 years experience in law enforcement while Tolbert is the former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Office. Tolbert also handled security for the NBA prior to his return to Buffalo.
Tolbert has campaigned on a platform of reforming operations in the holding center and looking for more collaborative ways to fight street crime.
Howard believes more needs to be done to attack the opioid epidemic with increased street patrols to help protect public safety.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has a preview from the a polling place in Buffalo.
