Election Day reminders

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---- Now that Early Voting has ended, poll sites are preparing for Election Day.

According to the New York State Board of Elections unofficial count, nearly 3 million New Yorkers have already cast their ballots. Polls open at 6:00am on Tuesday and close at 9pm.  

"Just remember that if the lines might be long, people are excited, but if you are in line on Election Day and the polls close, stay in line," said Erica Smitka, League of Women Voters New York State. "As long as you're in line, you can cast your ballot."

Voters are encouraged to check the New York State Board of Elections website to find their proper polling place.

https://elections.ny.gov/2024-statewide-ballot-proposal

If you accidently go to the wrong one, Jeff Wice an adjunct professor at New York Law school explained what you can do. 

"If for any reason, you go to the wrong poll site and it’s within the same district, that you can vote through an affidavit or a paper ballot and that your ballot will be transferred to the place where you should vote," said Wice.

Besides the Presidential election, Congressional races in Central New York, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island are also being closely watched. New York State could help determine which party controls the House of Representatives.

Before going to vote, it is important to remember congressional lines were changed because of redistricting.  

"The candidate for Congress what you voted for in 2022, might not be the same congress member you voted for this month," reminded Wice. 

At the state level, Assembly and Senate Democrats are once again trying to win a supermajority. Forty-two senators of one party are needed for that to happen. However, that number is currently at 41, since Senator Tim Kennedy left to become a Congressman.

Assembly Democrats also won a supermajority in the last election.

"Democrats are about at 100 seats now of 150, so they need to have 100 plus to hold their supermajority," explained Wice. "Supermajorities come into play when you have gubernatorial override questions where 2/3 votes are needed."