Polls have just opened across New York State and there are several key races to watch as Election Day 2021 gets underway.
In Syracuse, two challengers will be trying to knock off incumbent Ben Walsh. He is facing off against Democrat Khalid Bey and Republican Janet Burman, trying to win as an independent for a second time.
The results of this race may stretch beyond tonight, as nearly 2,500 absentee ballots were requested, according to the board of elections.
So far, officials say 1,200 have been returned. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by today.
The biggest regional race features former Congressman Anthony Brindisi, who’s now running for a state Supreme Court seat in the 5th district. That includes a large swatch of Central New York.
He’s facing Republican Danielle Fogel in the race. Fogel is originally from South Utica and now lives in East Syracuse. She has been a trial lawyer for nearly two decades.
In the Southern Tier, voters in Binghamton will be electing a new mayor. Rich David has served two terms, so someone else will take the mantle. Democrat City Councilor Joe Burns is up against Republican Jared Kraham, who served as Deputy Mayor.
The polls are open on this Election Day. We’re @ the Magnarelli Community Center where Syracuse voters are deciding the fate of a 3 way Mayoral race. We’ve got your polling site protocols & what you need to know this AM @SPECNews1CNY! Polls are open until 9. Get out and vote! pic.twitter.com/pbJCfMjl2b
— Brad Vivacqua (@Brad_Vivacqua) November 2, 2021
It’s still a very unique time to be heading to the polls with many people choosing to do main-in voting, like last year, so some are wondering what to expect as they head to their local polling places.
The Magnarelli Community Center in Sryacuse has already seen some people starting to trickle in to vote in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Election officials remind us you’re required to wear a mask and abide by social distancing guidelines if you’re heading out to the polls.
Regardless of your location – in addition to voting for candidates – you’re also reminded to fill out both sides of the ballot where you’ll find five statewide propositions on the backside.
There are also some local propositions in a few municipalities, as well. Beyond the mayoral race, Syracuse voters also deciding on some important common council positions and county legislature positions.
Board of Elections Commissioner Michele Sardo said more than 9,700 people in Onondaga County took advantage of early voting in the county.
Most Election Day polling sites you’re used to visiting haven’t changed, but some in places like nursing homes have been relocated. If you’re not sure about your site, you’re advised to check the state Board of Elections website.
Despite it not being a presidential election, it’s still important to make your vote count.
“Local years are very important. I recommend everybody go out on local years because these local candidates are the ones who can go to your Senate and Assembly. They can get to them faster than you can get to them. So, go out and vote because these are going to be your representatives that represent you yourself,” said Sardo.
It’s #electionday2021 ️🇺🇲 Make sure you stay tuned to @SPECNews1CNY and our network of newsrooms across #NYS for all the latest. @SpectrumNetsPRhttps://t.co/d82yHUYCak pic.twitter.com/JEOD5wXTZv
— Kevin Hayes (@KHayes_reports) November 2, 2021
