Election Day in New York: What You Need to Know

Good morning! It’s Tuesday, and today marks Election Day in New York. We’ll dive into the logistics of voting and highlight the key races to keep an eye on after the polls close.

As the day unfolds, the anticipation of the results will grow, but first comes the essential task of voting. In New York City, polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.. The Citizens Union Foundation emphasizes that if you are in line by 9 p.m., you will still be permitted to cast your vote.

However, be prepared for potential wait times. According to the New York City Board of Elections, lines could be longer than seen during the 2020 election.

Why might this be the case? In the 2020 election, around 660,000 New Yorkers opted to vote by mail, a significant increase attributed to the pandemic. This year, the landscape has changed, and “mail ballots won’t be as common,” explained Ben Weinberg, the director of public policy for Citizens Union, a nonpartisan organization focused on promoting governmental transparency and accountability. Consequently, voters should anticipate longer lines at polling sites.

The Board of Elections plans to provide an interactive map today, allowing voters to check real-time waiting times at various polling locations. Therefore, it’s wise to budget extra time into your day to accommodate any delays.

Voting by Mail:

• If you intended to vote by mail, it’s important to note that the deadline to request a mail ballot was October 26.
• If you have received your mail ballot but have not yet returned it, ensure that your envelope is postmarked by today.
• Alternatively, you can drop off your completed ballot at any polling site or at a Board of Elections office.