Election Day 2019: New York Voters Cast Their Ballots In Closely Watched Races
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – It's Election Day 2019, and polls are open across the area.
New York City voters will cast their ballots in two closely watched races, including public advocate. Democratic incumbent Jumaane Williams is hoping to keep his seat against Republican Councilman Joseph Borelli.
"It's a showcase race. The person who wins it will have a statewide platform, can run for mayor. Tish James ran for attorney general, so insiders are definitely going to be looking for how he did in a certain area," Larry Levy, Executive Dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University, told CBSN New York.
WATCH: Everything You Need To Know For Election Day 2019
In Queens, Democratic Borough President Melinda Katz faces off with Republican Joe Murray for the borough's district attorney. Both candidates are vying to take the place of long-serving DA Richard Brown, who passed away earlier this year.
"This is of interest to me and to, I think, some political insiders, in that it's a barometer of where the Queens Republican party is," Levy said.
The race follows a tight Democratic primary with Katz narrowly defeating public defender Tiffany Caban.
WEB EXTRA: When And Where To Vote, What's On The Ballot
Voters will also weigh-in on five ballot questions. The first concerns ranked-choice voting. If passed, voters would be able to choose and rank up to five candidates in primaries and special elections.
Question 2 would potentially make the Civilian Complaint Review Board more powerful, allowing the board to investigate and prosecute officers who lie during an investigation.
Question 3 would place a two-year ban before officials could lobby their former agencies.
Under Question 4, the city would be able to establish a formal rainy day fund. The budget would still require state approval.
Finally, Question 5 deals with land use. Developers would be able to send a summary of their plans to local community boards earlier, and those boards would have more time to respond to the plans.
VOTING IN NEW YORK STATE
When to vote: Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Where to vote: Visit voterlookup.elections.ny.gov to find your polling place.
What's on the ballot: Read a sample ballot.
On Long Island, Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen, who became the first Democrat in more than 100 years to win the office, is up against the town's tax receiver, Donald Clavin.
"What's significant about it is that Long Island is what you could call the 'quintessential suburban swing county,' and it's the suburbs that decide national elections. So we're going to get a chance – an advanced look – at the 2020 race," said Levy.
Another big race is for Suffolk County executive. Democrat Steve Bellone faces a challenge from Comptroller John Kennedy.
This is the first year New York State offered early voting, so many people have already cast their ballots.
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Click here for our full voter guide.
