EARLY VOTING GUIDE: The biggest races on NYC ballots in the Nov. 3 general election

The governor’s race tops the ballot this year, as Democrat Kathy Hochul seeks a second full term in office; she’s running on a ticket with lieutenant governor candidate, former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams of Queens. Both are facing challenges from Republican Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, and his running mate for lieutenant governor, Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood.

Polls across the country have predicted a “blue wave” in the midterm elections as Republican President Donald Trump faces historic lows in popularity amid ongoing inflation and military action in Iran that have driven up gas prices. Should Democrats retake control of the House of Representatives, that will likely make Brooklyn U.S. Rep. and current House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries the front-runner to be the next Speaker of the House come January — the third-highest office in American government.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to register, where to vote, and who’s on the ballot!

How can I vote?

First, make sure you’re registered to vote. If you’re not, you can register online, in person, or by mail up until Oct. 24. More details and instructions about checking your registration on the Board of Elections website. 

Any voter can vote early by mail, and voters who live in New York City but can’t make it to the polls this year can vote absentee. You can apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot online by mail through Oct. 24, or apply in-person at the local BOE office until Nov. 3.

Mail-in and absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3, or can be dropped off-in person at your early voting or regular poll site during regular hours. 

When is early voting?

Early voting starts on Saturday, Oct. 24 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 1. Poll sites are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, and Nov. 1; 10 a.m.-8 a.m. on Oct. 27 and 28; and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 29. 

Your early voting site may be different from your regular polling place, and may be different from past years. If you’re unsure, use the BOE’s poll site locator to find your early voting location, election day poll site, and a sample ballot! 

Voting on Election Day

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and polls are open that day from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. If you’re in line before 9 p.m. and the polls close while you’re waiting, stay in line! 

You have to vote at your designated polling place on Election Day. Use the BOE poll site locator to find it, or email your home address to vote@boe.nyc.ny.us with your borough in the subject line. 

Who’s on the ballot?

There are several statewide races all New Yorkers will see on their ballots, along with county judgeships and the five ballot proposals. Which congressional, state Senate and state Assembly races you’ll take part in depends on which districts you live in.