NYC City Council Election District 8: Candidates, Polling Places And More

EAST HARLEM, NY — Voters in East Harlem and the South Bronx will take to the polls on Tuesday, Sept. 12 to cast crucial votes in this year's Democratic primary.

Citywide, there are primaries for mayor, public advocate and nearly every city council district. Of local importance, though, is a 4-person race to replace City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (full district map here).

This being New York City, the Democratic primary is generally the race that determines who will hold these seats after November's general election. Needless to say, Tuesday is an important day for neighborhood politics.

Don't really know anything about the election in your city council district? Don't worry, Patch has you covered with this guide about everything you need to know to make an informed vote on Tuesday.

District 8 city council candidates:

Diana Ayala: Ayala has nearly two decades of public service in East Harlem and South Bronx and recently served as Speaker Mark-Viverito's deputy chief of staff. Ayala lists the preservation of affordable housing, fully funding neighborhood schools and strengthening senior services as her three biggest policy priorities.

Tamika Mapp: Mapp, the president of the East Harlem Insurance Brokerage and East Harlem Tax Service, is running on a platform to reform family law, increase the minimum wage and preserve affordable housing.

Israel Martinez: Martinez, a former State Assemblyman for the South Bronx in the late 80s and early 90s, has unsuccessfully run for many local and state offices in recent years. His last bid for City Council occurred in 2013 in District 14. Martinez lists free transportation for seniors, crime prevention and affordable housing as his three policy priorities.

Robert J. Rodriguez: Rodriguez, who currently serves East Harlem in the New York State Assembly, is the only candidate currently in elected office running for City Council in District 8. Rodriguez was first voted to the state assembly in 2011 and says that he wants to continue fighting for East Harlem in City Hall. The assemblyman lists NYCHA and affordable housing, increased transportation and supporting seniors as his three policy priorities.

Where to vote

There are polling places across the district; your specific one depends on where you live. To find your polling place, click here and enter your address. You need to be registered as a Democrat at that address to vote in the primary.

Sample ballot

After entering your address on that same website above, under "Primary Election - 09/12/2017," click "Ballot Information" then choose your party. You will see your choices for all available offices.

When can I vote?

The elections take place on Tuesday, September 12. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Graphics by Patch