NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — New Yorkers are casting their final ballots Tuesday amid a pandemic that had officials worried about protecting voters' health on top of more typical concerns about long wait times or adequate staffing at the polls.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Election Day was off to a good start so far in the city, with few issues being reported.
"So far, we're hearing a couple of poll sites opened late, that's not unprecedented. We don't like that, but it happens. But overwhelmingly, we're hearing things are going smoothly," de Blasio told WCBS 880's Wayne Cabot. "Long lines in some areas, but not everywhere."
Social distancing markers were put down on the sidewalk outside the New Brighton Church on Staten Island, but for the most part they haven't been needed as voters were able to walk right in to cast a ballot. At the Barclays Center, there were a fine dozen people lined up before polls opened and it kept moving from there.
One potential issue that might make lines longer: there are reports that the online ballot tracker the city Board of Elections set up isn't being update and concerned voters who are unsure if their absentee ballot was received might show up in person to make sure their vote counts.
Related
The mayor credits nine days of early voting, which saw 1.1 million people cast their ballots in the city, with helping to take some of the pressure off the system on Election Day. De Blasio, however, says that after standing in line himself in Brooklyn last week for more than three hours to vote, changes are needed.
"Imagine if that 1.1 million people, were all concentrated today on top of everyone else who is going to vote. It would have been madness," the mayor said. "Early voting actually makes everything work better, but we need a different and better Board of Elections going forward."
This was the first general election in which New York allowed early voting.
The mayor tells Cabot there's a lot riding on this election, especially for New York City.
"It’s the whole ballgame. Tonight if Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are elected, I guarantee you there will be a major stimulus as early as February and that will speed the recovery in New York City. That's what's on the line in this election," he said. "It's literally our future is riding on this election."
Related
Tensions have been high this election season and with fears of violent protest and unrest, some New York City businesses have opted to board up their storefronts. The mayor understands the concern, but said there are no specific threats against the city and so far no major demonstrations are planned.
"The whole country’s on edge. People are worried because, look, the president of the United States has said he might not abide by the result of the Democratic election. That's unprecedented in the entire history of public," the mayor said. "So people are reacting to that, they're reacting to the fear that there could be conflict and all. We're not seeing it so far."
Related
Whatever the election brings, the mayor said New York City will be ready.
"I think the important point is here's the opportunity today," de Blasio said. "Rather than worry about what might be, let's look at what's right in front of us — the chance to vote."
Polls close at 9 p.m.