After months of coverage and discussion on the local and national levels, the New York City primary election is finally here. Tomorrow’s election will determine the candidates for the general election in November, which will in turn determine the next mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough presidents, and 51 City Council members.
As we emerge from one of the toughest periods in our recent history, this is an opportunity for New Yorkers to lend their voices and shape the future of the city. To do so, it’s important that we make informed decisions and participate in the election process.
To help you do this, here are some common questions answered so that you can cast your primary ballot with confidence.
Who is running and what are the candidates’ platforms?
With several races and many candidates involved in the election, it’s crucial to be familiar with the contenders and their plans for New York. NYC Votes has created a helpful, unbiased guide that outlines each candidate’s background and views. Plus, to hear directly from several leading candidates including Andrew Yang, Eric Adams, Shaun Donovan, Kathryn Garcia, and Ray McGuire, watch these interviews.
How will voting work tomorrow?
Now that you have narrowed down your preferences, it’s time to vote! Setting a historical precedent, tomorrow’s election will involve ranked-choice voting. Rather than choosing just one candidate, you will select your top five candidates based on personal preference. Since the ranked-choice voting format may be unfamiliar to many, THE CITY has compiled a helpful overview of the system and how to approach your ballot.
Where can I vote?
To find your nearest polling place with the click of a mouse, use this NYC Board of Elections tool, which even lets you view a sample ballot.
The 2021 primary election is easily among the most consequential the city has seen in recent years, and we look forward to seeing the results and how future candidates will shape our city’s future. Happy voting!