NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – As voters across the tri-state area head to the polls on Tuesday, sentiments range widely, from confidence in candidates to frustration with the election process and anxiety.
The polls opened in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut at 6 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m. in New York and 8 p.m. in New Jersey and Connecticut.
1010 WINS reporter Glenn Schuck was out taking the voter temperature early Monday morning.
For Constantine, a voter in New York City, frustrations lie not with the candidates but with the election system itself. “I’m really mad with this electoral college system. So, I want popular vote,” he said, adding that the stress of the election season has been a burden. “Well stressed, I can’t wait to get over with.”
A new poll from The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 7 in 10 Americans reported feeling anxious or frustrated about the 2024 presidential campaign, and a similar share said they’re interested.
Only about one-third said they feel excited.
For Nicholas Herzler, the economy is a significant issue. “The economy is huge, but I don’t know why people trust Trump to deal with it more. I think that Harris can be trusted more to deal with it. She cares more about the middle class,” Herzer said.
Having already cast his vote for Harris, he had doubts about Trump’s approach to democracy. “I just think he’s a threat to the country in my opinion, and I understand people like him and they have their reasons. In my view, I don’t know why they trust him. He can’t be trusted,” he added.
In Fair Lawn, New Jersey, an undecided voter who chose not to give his name sounded optimism, despite the ongoing tension. “I trust this country. We’ll get it done. Things will be right. Like I said, I’m a hard worker. I’m dedicated to my employer. It’s just a matter of the times, you know. There’s no reason to be anxious. It’s the USA—it’s the best country in the world. So, we’ll be all right.”
With over a million early ballots cast in New York City’s five boroughs, Election Day turnout is expected to be significant. Staten Island saw the highest early voting percentage, while the Bronx had the lowest.
The New York City Board of Elections reminds voters that ballots are two-sided this year, containing both candidate choices and ballot proposals, urging voters to “flip over your ballot” to ensure it’s complete.
Warm weather may contribute to longer waits at the polls, so voters in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are advised to prepare for extended lines as the presidential race, congressional seats, and local ballot measures come to a head.
New Yorkers can locate their polling place by visiting vote.nyc/page/find-your-poll-site. If people have voted in New York before, no ID is required to cast your ballot.
In New York, Election Day is observed as a state holiday, so on Tuesday, City Hall, all state government offices, and state courts will be closed. However, since it is not a federal holiday, federal government offices will remain open. New York City schools will also be closed, and according to its website, Manhattan Federal Court will be closed as well.
As of Monday morning, 3,375,792 mail-in and early in-person votes had been cast in New York, with 52% from registered Democrats, 25% from registered Republicans, and 23% from other affiliations; additionally, 959,835 mail-in ballots were requested, with 57% from Democrats, 19% from Republicans, and 24% from other affiliations.
Given all the twists and turns in recent months, it's easy to overlook the historical significance of this election.
Harris would become the first female president in the United States' 248-year history. If elected, she would also be the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent to hold the office. Harris and her campaign have largely played down gender and race, fearing that they might alienate some supporters. But the significance of a Harris win would not be lost on historians.
A Trump victory would represent a different kind of historical accomplishment. He would become the first person convicted of a felony elected to the U.S. presidency, having been convicted of 34 felony counts in a New York hush-money case little more than five months ago.
Trump, who is still facing felony charges in at least two separate criminal cases, argued that he is the victim of a politicized justice system. And tens of millions of voters apparently believe him — or they're willing to overlook his extraordinary legal baggage.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.