NYC City Council Election District 5: Candidates, Polling Places And More

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Voters in Sutton Place, Roosevelt Island, the Upper East Side and a small sliver of East Harlem 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, a three-person race is taking place for the Democratic nomination for city council in District 5 (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 5 city council candidates:

Patrick Bobilin: Bobilin, an engineer and artist from Yorkville, is running a campaign inspired by progressive national politicians Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Bobilin himself served as a community organizer on Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign. He lists affordable housing, lead contamination in public schools and the East 91st Street marine transfer station as his three priority issues for the district.

Gwen E Goodwin: Goodwin also worked on the presidential campaign of Bernie Sanders. In her 30 years in activism Goodwin has been involved with movements such as The Women's March and the Coalition to Save PS 109. Goodwin lists zoning and housing, small business rent regulation and senior housing tenant protection as her three priority issues.

Ben Kallos: Kallos, the district's incumbent, is running for reelection after winning his City Council seat in 2013. Kallos, who grew up on the Upper East Side, is running on accomplishments such as the gain of 400 pre-k seats in the neighborhood, the introduction of select bus service on the M79 and M86 lines and the opening of the Second Avenue Subway. Kallos lists more school seats, traffic and safety improvements and fighting the East 91st Street marine transfer station as his three big issues for the district.

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