NYC 2021 Election Season Is Here: What Voters Need To Know

NEW YORK CITY — Forget Halloween season — for some New Yorkers, a political party is the real event.

The Nov. 2 election is fast approaching.

New York City voters will cast ballots to replace Mayor Bill de Blasio, who is term-limited. They'll also choose a slate of local lawmakers who'll be their voice on pressing city issues, from policing to streets projects to zoning.

This election is likely to have more of an impact on New Yorkers' daily lives than the 2020 presidential race. Patch has compiled a quick guide to how to make your voice heard.

When's the election again?

Nov. 2.

But New Yorkers don't have to wait until then to vote. There's absentee and early voting.

Is there a deadline for absentee voting?

Yes.

The deadline for registered voters to apply for an absentee ballot application online or mail is Monday, Oct. 18. It's Nov. 1 to request one in person. They can find more information here.

Back up a second — "registered voters"? How can I see if I'm registered?

Once voters register, they're permanently registered unless they move outside the city or county or haven't voted in two consecutive federal elections.

People can check their registration status online here or by calling 1-866-868-3692.

And sorry, if you're not registered the deadline for the 2021 election has passed.

OK, back to absentee voting. How long do I have to send it in?

Nov. 2 is the deadline for absentee ballots to be postmarked or dropped off at an election site. The city's Board of Elections must receive them by Nov. 9.

What about early voting?

Early voting will be held from Oct. 23 to Oct. 31.

All registered voters can vote early, but they need to find their early voting sites.

Those sites and hours can be found here.

And on Election Day?

Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters can find their pollsites here.

How can I see a ballot?

The same webpage that shows voters their pollsite also gives them a sample ballot.

What's the big race this time?

Democratic nominee Eric Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa are vying to become New York City's next mayor.

Adams has an advantage in this heavily-Democratic city. He won a hard-fought primary victory by garnering voters from working class and people of color in boroughs outside Manhattan. And, although Adams has distanced himself from de Blasio, the current mayor has said he expects Adams to carry on his legacy.

Sliwa, an avowed "Never Trumper," is a Republican who can't be counted out, as detailed in a recent THE CITY profile. The colorful Sliwa has made support for the homeless and mentally ill a focus of his campaign, protested against vaccine mandates and regularly displays his cat-filled home in interviews.