NEW YORK, New York — Election Day has arrived, and New Yorkers are heading to the polls as the 2026 elections present residents with an array of contests. These range from statewide races to local ballot proposals. Voters across New York City and beyond will decide on candidates and issues that could shape state and local government in the years ahead.
This year’s elections include races for governor and state executive offices. Voters will also make a decision in congressional and state legislative races.
New York’s Statewide Elections
The New York gubernatorial election is one of the most followed races in the country. Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul is seeking another term against Republican challenger Bruce A. Blakeman.
Hochul, who took office in 2021, is seeking her second full term in the November 3, 2026, general election. Blakeman, the current Nassau County executive, offers a starkly different vision for governing New York State.
Other statewide contests on the ballot include the attorney general and state comptroller elections.
The office of the attorney general oversees legal representation for the state and handles a range of consumer protection and civil enforcement responsibilities.
The state comptroller is responsible for the finances of the state, conducts audits of state bodies, and manages the state pension fund.
These offices play vital roles in state government, making the election outcomes highly relevant to residents across New York.
The statewide ballot also includes Adrienne E. Adams as Hochul’s running mate and Todd Hood as Blakeman’s running mate. Attorney General Letitia James faces Republican challenger Saritha Komatireddy, while incumbent State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli faces Republican challenger Joseph Hernandez.
Congressional and Legislative Races
Beyond the statewide contests, voters across the New York metropolitan region and the Hudson Valley will decide several crucial congressional and state legislative races. New York’s congressional districts include distinct communities stretching across the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, with unique issues shaping each district.
Among the highly watched contests are races in New York’s 4th and 17th congressional districts.
In the 4th Congressional District, located entirely within Nassau County, Democratic incumbent Laura Gillen faces a strong challenge from Republican Jeanine Driscoll, along with Libertarian candidate Blay Tarnoff.
The 17th Congressional District, representing communities across the lower Hudson Valley, features two-term Republican incumbent Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley.
These congressional contests will determine who represents their respective communities in the U.S. House of Representatives. Moreover, New Yorkers will participate in voting to pick their state Senate and Assembly representatives. These representatives help shape state laws and policies affecting housing, transportation, education, public safety, and other issues that influence residents’ daily lives.
New York City Voters Face Five Ballot Proposals
In addition to choosing candidates in today’s elections, New York City residents will vote on five proposed amendments to the city’s charter. While the candidate races span both city and statewide offices, these specific ballot proposals apply exclusively to voters within the five boroughs.
The first proposal would streamline the process for obtaining permission to use certain public spaces, including sidewalk cafes, ramps, and planters.
The second proposal would reduce paperwork for businesses and nonprofit organizations seeking city contracts by allowing the Procurement Policy Board to simplify contractor questionnaires. It would also require the board to meet quarterly and remove a mandatory public hearing requirement for the city’s client services report.
The third proposal would streamline approval processes for street safety projects, certain city-owned property transactions, and municipal office leasing. It would simplify reviews for transportation improvements, allow certain property transactions to proceed through an expedited review process, and reduce approval requirements for securing office space for city employees.
The fourth proposal would simplify building permits through a centralized construction permitting system. It would also transfer waterfront permitting responsibilities to the city’s Department of Buildings.
The fifth proposal would establish a target for the city’s rainy-day fund and other financial reserves. In addition, it would require a methodology for calculating future contributions to help prepare for unexpected financial difficulties.
Together, the five proposals could change how New York City manages public spaces, oversees municipal projects, handles construction permitting, and prepares for future financial needs.
New York City Council District 3 Race
Another local contest involves New York City Council District 3, which represents portions of Manhattan.
The November 3, 2026 ballot also includes a special general election for the City Council District 3 seat. Democratic incumbent Carl Wilson is facing challenger Haris Bhatti, who is running under the Haris Bhatti Party.
The District 3 contest gives eligible voters in the district an opportunity to select their representative for the City Council.
However, this race does not appear on every New York City resident’s ballot. Only voters living within the district are eligible to participate.
What Voters Should Know On Election Day
Early voting took place from October 24 through November 1. Voters who did not participate during that period can cast their ballots today, Tuesday, November 3.
According to the New York City Board of Elections, polling locations will operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
Voters should confirm their assigned polling locations before leaving home. Polling places and ballot contents can differ depending on residential addresses and election districts.
The New York City Board of Elections provides an online tool for finding assigned polling locations, while NYC Votes offers a voter guide with information about candidates and ballot proposals.
Those living outside the five boroughs should check with their county election boards for information on elections and polling locations.
Election Day Across New York
Voters across New York have several decisions to make, from choosing statewide representatives to considering changes to local government procedures.
This election provides residents with an opportunity to participate in decisions affecting their communities, state government, and representation in Washington.
With statewide and congressional races, local contests, and ballot proposals on the agenda, reviewing election information can help voters understand their choices before heading to the polls.
Sources:
BOARD OF ELECTIONS IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
NYC VOTES – 2026 General Election Voter Guide
New York State Board of Elections
NYC Board of Elections – November 3, 2026 General Election Contest List
New York City Council – District 3
Editor’s Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes and provides an overview of the November 3, 2026, elections in New York. Election information, candidate details, polling locations, and ballot proposals are subject to change or verification through official election authorities. Readers are encouraged to consult the New York City Board of Elections and the New York State Board of Elections for the most current information.
