Brooklyn Voting Guide: Early Voting, Key Races, Deadlines

Early voting began Saturday, and with the November 3 general election nine days away, Brooklyn voters have a full ballot to sort through, from the governor’s race down to five ballot proposals. According to a voting guide published by Brownstoner’s Kirstyn Brendlen, the borough hosts some of the city’s most interesting contests, even if most of its incumbents look secure.

The ones most at risk, the guide notes, were already toppled by challengers from within their own party in the June primary. The real fights this fall are in southern Brooklyn, where Democrats are trying to win back Republican-held districts. In NY-11, the city’s only Republican congressional district, Democrat Mike DeCillis is challenging incumbent Nicole Malliotakis. The district covers Bay Ridge, Fort Hamilton, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst, and Staten Island.

Two Assembly races carry particular weight. In Assembly District 45, which includes Sheepshead Bay, Midwood, Manhattan Beach, Gravesend, and Brighton Beach, Republican incumbent Michael Novakhov faces a rematch with Democrat Joey Cohen-Saban, who came within 200 votes of victory in 2024. In Assembly District 46, which spans Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Coney Island, and parts of southern Brooklyn, Chris McCreight is challenging Alec Brook-Krasny.

All Brooklynites will also see statewide races, a few county judgeships, and five ballot proposals meant to fast-track certain government actions. Governor Kathy Hochul is running on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines, while her opponent, Bruce Blakeman, appears on the Republican and Conservative lines. New York’s fusion voting system lets candidates run on multiple lines, and the guide stresses that which line you select does not change the effect of your vote. Which congressional, state senate, and Assembly races you see depends on where you live; the Board of Elections sample ballot shows exactly what will be in front of you.

The deadline to register online, in person, or by mail was Saturday, October 24. Any voter can vote early by mail, and those who live in Brooklyn but cannot get to the polls can vote absentee. Applications for mail-in or absentee ballots were due online or by mail on October 24, though in-person applications at the local Board of Elections office are accepted until November 3. Returned ballots must be postmarked by November 3 or dropped off at an early voting or regular poll site during regular hours.

Early voting runs through Sunday, November 1. Per the guide, poll sites are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, and November 1. On October 27 and 28 they open at 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.; the guide’s text says “8 a.m.,” which appears to be a typo. On October 29, hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Your early voting site may differ from your Election Day poll site, and from past years, so check the Board of Elections poll site locator for both.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters must use their designated polling place that day, and anyone in line at 9 p.m. should stay put. Those unsure of their location can use the locator or email their home address to vote@boe.nyc.ny.us with their borough in the subject line.