US ELECTIONS
Who are the candidates in my county? Here's what the voting ballot in every county of New York looks like
We take a look at the big issues around the state as New Yorkers prepare to go to the ballot box in one of the tightest elections in decades.
Every corner of New York State has a say in shaping our future this November. From Buffalo to Montauk, New Yorkers are casting ballots on issues that go far beyond national headlines. The state may not be a battleground for the presidential election, but there’s a lot at stake - from congressional races that could help decide control of the House to state-level amendments on civil rights and abortion. Here’s a breakdown of what New Yorkers need to know before they head to the polls.
The Big Tickets: President and Senate
New Yorkers are voting in the presidential race, although former President Donald Trump’s chances here are slim. In both 2016 and 2020, New York went strongly blue. Polling shows Vice President Kamala Harris, the current Democratic candidate, leading Trump by a significant margin.
At the Senate level, Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand is expected to hold her seat comfortably, with polls showing her 20-plus points ahead of her Republican opponent, retired NYPD detective Mike Sapraicone. But down the ballot, there’s far more at play.
New York’s Congressional Battlegrounds
New York’s House seats could help determine which party controls Congress next year. Seven key districts are in play, and Democrats are investing heavily to win them back after Republicans gained ground in 2022. Here’s a look at these districts and their candidates:
- Suffolk County (District 1): Republican Nick LaLota, a Suffolk native and former public servant, defends his seat against Democrat John Avlon, a journalist and former speechwriter.
- Suffolk, Nassau, Queens (District 3): Tom Suozzi, the Democrat who once held this seat, faces former Republican Assemblyman Mike LiPetri in a closely watched race.
- Nassau County (District 4): Republican incumbent Anthony D’Esposito squares off against Laura Gillen, a Democrat with local political experience.
- Lower Hudson Valley (District 17): Republican Mike Lawler, a former assemblyman, is up against Democrat Mondaire Jones, who previously held this seat.
- Mid-Hudson Valley (District 18): Democratic incumbent Pat Ryan, a former county executive, faces Alison Esposito, a retired NYPD officer, in this tight contest.
- Hudson Valley and Catskills (District 19): Republican Marc Molinaro defends his seat from Democratic challenger Josh Riley, an attorney and political newcomer.
- Central New York (District 22): Republican Brandon Williams, a Navy vet and businessman, takes on Democrat John Mannion, a state senator.
If Democrats regain the House, Representative Hakeem Jeffries from Brooklyn is expected to become the first New Yorker in over a century to serve as Speaker.
New York City’s Charter Amendments: Mayor vs. City Council
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams is pushing several amendments to the city charter. These proposals cover everything from sanitation to budgeting rules but are mired in controversy. Adams faces a federal investigation, and critics argue the charter amendments are a power play to increase his control. The changes have sparked pushback from city council members, who accuse the mayor of trying to block council-backed reforms from reaching the ballot.
Here’s what’s on the table for city voters:
- Measure Two: Expands the Department of Sanitation’s reach, allowing them to operate in parks and manage trash in new ways.
- Measure Three: Requires the mayor’s budget office to estimate costs for any city legislation earlier in the legislative process.
- Measure Four: Mandates notice to public safety departments before voting on related legislation.
- Measures Five and Six: Tackle maintenance information tracking and create a chief business diversity officer role.
Statewide Issue: Equal Rights Amendment
The proposed Equal Rights Amendment would enshrine protections for abortion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and a host of other rights in the state constitution. Democrats are betting that putting this on the ballot will boost turnout in their favor. In addition to abortion rights, the amendment bars discrimination based on ethnicity, disability, age, religion, and pregnancy outcomes.
While New York already has strong laws protecting abortion access, the amendment would make it much harder to change these laws in the future. Polling shows broad support for the measure, although there’s some concern that the ballot language might confuse voters. The proposal doesn’t explicitly mention abortion, which opponents are using to raise doubts.
Control of the State Legislature: Could Republicans Chip Away?
Democrats currently hold supermajorities in both the state Senate and Assembly, giving them substantial power over state legislation. But Republicans are hoping to claw back seats. In particular, the Hudson Valley and Long Island races are getting attention from both parties.
Key Senate races include:
- Hudson Valley: Democrat Peter Harckham is defending his seat against Gina Arena, with Democrats pouring in substantial resources to keep the district blue.
- Syracuse and Onondaga County: Democrat Chris Ryan is competing for a seat against Republican Nick Paro, who’s backed by Republican party funds.
- Suffolk County: Democrat Sarah Anker challenges Republican incumbent Anthony Palumbo.
The Democratic supermajorities in both chambers let them override gubernatorial vetoes, but even if Republicans make gains, it’s unlikely they’ll take control of either chamber this year.
What’s on the Ballot by County?
With 62 counties across New York, the ballots will vary widely. Here’s the full list of New York counties where voters will find different races and local propositions in addition to the statewide issues:
Albany, Allegany, Bronx, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Kings, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Nassau, New York (Manhattan), Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond (Staten Island), Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westchester, Wyoming, and Yates.
In each of these counties, voters will have choices on local officials, judgeships, school boards, and more, all of which shape daily life. Even in the smaller towns and rural areas, these decisions are personal and impactful.
So whether you’re in a small town in the Adirondacks or deep in Brooklyn, your ballot this year holds power. Let your vote count.