Early voters can determine color of governance

Beginning on Oct. 29, on any given day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., New Yorkers can walk into their neighborhood polling places and cast their vote for the Midterm elections.

Ideally, from that date, registered individuals will be able to choose whether traditionally blue state Democrats will vote the party candidates or opt to shift to Republican red rhetoric for change that could impact the results of the Nov. 6 elections.

Pundits are predicting a national trend for the latter and here an expected huge turnout is expected when New Yorkers capitalize on the early voting process which was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2019.
Decided by bipartisan support in the NY State and Assembly, the advanced period of voting enabled extended opportunities prior to the Tuesday date.

According to the Board of Elections, in 2020, 372 percent more New Yorkers said they were more likely to vote early than on the designated date.
Their web portal claims “Early voting gives more flexibility, reduces wait times on Election Day and eases the burden on poll workers, creating a more pleasant voting experiences for everyone!”

All eyes are trained on the statewide races which spotlight the candidacies of Gov. Kathy C. Hochul who is being challenged by Republican Lee Zeldin.
Both wants to be the 58th governor of New York State.

For the incumbent Democrat who replaced her disgraced predecessor when he resigned after allegations of corruption during the pandemic forced his departure, her campaign has been fiercely focused on defending a record of providing aid to the homeless, bail reform and gun control.
This contest is probably the most concerning issue on the ballot.
“I’ve been tested…I’m tried and true to this job.’

Among a long list of accomplishments since taking office 15 months ago, she cites her stance against crime and her solution to curbing the influx of guns into the state as being the biggest problem in the city.
Gov. Hochul attributes the rise in violent crimes to the debacle.
“I want people to feel safe on the subways…I am putting cameras on the subway…also I intend to add more cops to show a visible presence of law enforcement. I intend to make changes to the bail laws by repealing the current ones and return to the old ones in order to stop repeat offenders.” She blames the lapse in jury trials caused by the pandemic; the six feet apart rule disallowing jury trials as a primary reason judges were bound.

In addition to boasting her triumphs, her television commercials are also promising plans to improve conditions for individuals suffering mental challenges.

Compared to Zeldin, her numbers have been consistently higher in the polls. However, Zeldin has been narrowing the gap and Sunday announced his intention to debate his rival.
Zeldin, allegedly opposes background checks.
He is opposed to restricting gun laws.
And is basically cloned by an agenda the former Republican president endorsed to a MAGA (Make America Great Again) campaign.

Zeldin believes he “can save New York” from “a fleeing population” by working with the legislature.
He claims, New Yorkers are moving out of the state because of crime.
Zeldin said on his first day in office, he pledges to fire elected District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Much of his diatribe focusses on DA Bragg who he said “refuses to enforce the law.”

The Donald Trump endorsed candidate also said he supports the overturn of Roe Vs. Wade but added that he will “not prohibit women from seeking abortion in New York.”

Hochul’s running mate for the lieutenancy is Antonio Delgado while Alison Esposito is partnering with Zeldin for the same position.
Both party candidates have been waging a relentless television campaign to convince New Yorkers of the advantages associated with their color-coded messages.

Another state race pits Democrat Thomas P. Dinapoli against Republican Paul Rodriguez for state comptroller.

Incumbent Attorney General Letitia A. James faces challenge from Michael Henry. For that position there are write in opportunities to add competition.“The People’s lawyer” who has fiercely charged the 45th president of the United States with fraud and other indiscretions against the state contends that “no one is above the law.”

Although many believe US Senator Charles E. Schumer has ably represented New York State for 23 years, the avowed representative is being challenged by Republican Joe Pinion.
The senate majority leader is reputed for a reputation which includes never having lost an election and reportedly, each year visiting all 62 counties in the state.

Pinion, a former political commentator from Yonkers, is the very first Black candidate nominated by either party for the senate in the history of NY.
He recently told NY1 — “I’m not here running to make history, but it is important to note that perhaps that might be part of the reason why one out of three Black children live in poverty in a state that is supposed to be so progressive, perhaps that might be part of the reason why three out of five children in the Bronx live in poverty, why the poverty rates in Buffalo are absolutely out of control.”

In some districts, Justice of the Supreme Court is on the ballot.
In the 2nd district in Brooklyn, a choice of up to 12 candidates can be voted.
There too an opportunity is presented to write in the names of qualified individuals.

Space is provided to elect five judges of the Civil Court in Kings County.
There are also slots to vote Congressional, State Senate and Assembly seats.

On the back of the ballot sheet, there are several proposals needing attention. Number one requires a Yes or No response to proposing amendments to the clean air, clean water and green jobs proposition.
Number 2 requires permission to add a statement of values to guide governments.
Proposal number 3 – asks whether or not to adopt the establishment of a racial equity office plan and commission.
And the last proposition requires voters to decide on measuring the true cost of living.
There will not be a referendum on color, however, in the Midterm elections, Black, red and blue matters.

Catch You On The Inside!