Voters in New York City will head to the polls to take the first step toward replacing Michael Bloomberg after 12 years by voting in the primary election; if no candidate is able to obtain 40 percent of the vote a runoff election will occur on Oct. 1, according to the Associated Press.
The majority of media attention has been on the Democratic race since Democrats outnumber Republicans six to one in New York, thus making the winner of the primary the overwhelming favorite in the general election. Strangely, even with such heavy Democratic support the city hasn't elected a Democratic mayor since 1989, according to USA Today.
Bill de Blasio, the city's public advocate, had a substantial lead going into Election Day and is hoping to avoid a runoff and become the Democratic nominee. Trailing him are City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, former Comptroller Bill Thompson and embattled former congressman Anthony Weiner, according to NBC News.
"The numbers are very positive, but you just can't be caught flat-footed," de Blasio told reporters on Monday evening.
The turnout for the election is expected to be fairly low. New York City has three million registered Democrats and only a third are expected to cast ballots, according to NBC News.
Turnout is expected to be even lighter for the Republican primary with only an estimated 50,000 voters casting ballots in the election between former MTA chairman Joseph Lhota and billionaire John Catsimatidis. Lhota is the front runner and is expected to win the nomination, according to NBC News.
In addition to the mayoral primary the race for comptroller has garnered some media attention since disgraced former governor Eliot Spitzer is attempting a return to political life. Running against Spitzer is Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, according to USA Today.
In order to get live updates of election results or to find out where your polling place is check out the website for the Board of Elections in the City of New York at this link.
