With polls hours away from closing, the New York City Board of Elections reported that by 6 PM, 1.4 million city residents had checked in to vote. When Kathy Hochul was last on the ballot in 2018 as lieutenant governor, the city had counted 2.1 million voters by the time polls closed.
Low turnout could make the impossible possible for Lee Zeldin, the congressman aiming to become New York’s first Republican governor in two decades. Narrowing poll numbers has brought political star power to the Democratic bastion in the past week.
The numbers look tough for any Republican. Registration numbers from this month show there are over twice as many registered Democrats as Republicans. Half of those Democrats live in New York City, where Republicans are outnumbered over five to one.
Republicans believe that if they can win 30% of the New York City vote, they might have a chance to win the top seat. However, if this year’s turnout were consistent with the last midterm race, that would require doubling the 300 thousand vote count of Marc Molinaro, the last Republican candidate for governor, or over a million Democrats staying home.
Additionally, in the last midterm election, Molinaro received more votes compared to his party’s registration compared to Cuomo – 59% comparted to 47%. The only borough which bucked this trend was Manhattan, which in 2021 elected District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a frequent target of Zeldin’s, by 211 thousand votes.
In Edward Gibbs’ assembly district, which includes East Harlem and Randall’s Island, at least four thousand registered Democrats moved away or changed their registration, compared to four hundred Republicans. But by midday, many voters I talked to were ready to give Hochul another term.
“She aligns with my beliefs in regards to a lot of progressive issues like women’s reproductive rights,” said Sultana Gardizi, 26, registered Democrat.
“I’d rather vote for someone who has a bit more experience in regards to issues with the state,” said Noel Silva, 48, independent. “Who, in fact, has actually served in a role like that.”
Some voters expressed concern about Zeldin’s own politics in comparison to Hochul’s, as well as his role in decertifying the election results from 2020.
“They’re trying to get rid of bail reform, saying it’s letting dangerous criminals out in the world,” said Jarrett Hairston, 39, registered Democrat. Fears about rising crime in the city and the state has been a central theme in Zeldin’s campaign. “All they’re doing is if you have money, then you can be free.”
“As a result of January 6th, I’m never voting Republican again,” said Edward Mahanna, 75, registered Democrat. “I have voted Republican in the past.”
However, Zeldin’s message has resonated with other voters, many of them unwilling to identify by their last name.
“I believe in the changes he would like to bring to New York,” said Elizabeth R., 45, unregistered, “I don’t support how they handled the pandemic.”
Polls close in New York City at 9 PM. As long as you are in line before nine, you will be allowed to vote.
Categories: Politics
This is Ufon Umanah, 
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