Gillen declares victory
According to the Daily News, Democrat Laura Gillen has declared victory over freshman GOP Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, flipping one sorely needed seat for the Democrat Party. Click here for continued updates.
Suffolk voters approve clean water prop
12:08 a.m.
Suffolk County voters have overwhelmingly approved Prop. 2, the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act. Click here to read more about the proposal, which was championed by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.
One LI congressional seat could flip
12 a.m.
The gap has narrowed between freshman GOP Congressman Anthony D’Esposito and Democratic challenger Laura Gillen, who had opened up an initially wide lead. Click here for continued updates.
11:09 p.m.
Democrat Rob Lubin has conceded to sitting Republican Congressman Andrew Garbarino.
“I want to thank Congressman Garbarino for running a good race, and I congratulate him on his win,” Lubin said. “Since day one, my campaign has been about fighting for the hardworking people of Long Island’s South Shore and advocating affordable housing, healthcare, and public safety. While tonight’s result wasn’t what I hoped for, I am very proud of the campaign we ran.”
Republican Congressman Nick LaLota has also declared victory over Democratic challenger John Avlon.
“I am deeply honored that Long Islanders have entrusted me to serve in Congress for another two years,” LaLota said in a statement. “Our convincing victory reflects our commitment to tackling our nation’s toughest challenges, from securing the border and fighting high prices to increasing the SALT deduction cap …”
11 p.m.
Three Long Island incumbent Congressional candidates — two Republicans and one Democrat — have comfortable leads two hours after the polls closed at 9 p.m. But in one race, freshman GOP Congressman Anthony D’Esposito is falling behind Democratic challenger Laura Gillen.
Click here to keep track of election results in New York state.
And you can tap here to track results nationwide.
6 p.m.
National tidbit: Even simple isn’t simple
Just after midnight, in the charmingly tiny town of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, the first six votes of Election Day were cast. This town’s cozy tradition, dating back to 1960, began with a lively accordion rendition of the national anthem before each resident cast their ballot.
Fifteen minutes later, the votes were counted, capturing the essence of this closely watched election with an even split: three for Donald Trump and three for Kamala Harris.
Smooth sailing so far … pretty much
4:30 p.m.
No major issues are being reported from Long Island polling places, though News 12 Long Island did report that ballots were late on arrival in Amityville at one polling place. (See below.)
The polls opened at 6 a.m. but the ballots didn’t arrive until 8 a.m., News 12 reported.
Original post: National eyes will be on Long Island this Election Day, with four congressional races that could play a huge role in determining whether the Republicans or the Democrats win the majority in the House.
Presently, the GOP holds a narrow majority at 220 seats to 212 for Democrats, with three vacancies.
In New York as a whole, presidential candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris is polling between 53 and 58 percent ahead of former president Donald Trump, according to Real Clear Politics.
Not sure where to vote? Tap here to find your poll site.
Polls opened in New York at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Twenty-eight electoral votes are up for grabs in New York. A presidential candidate needs to reach at least 270 electoral votes to win.
Hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders have already cast their ballots in early voting across Nassau and Suffolk.
Click here to keep track of election results in New York state.
And you can tap here to track results nationwide.
Check back for continued updates from across Nassau and Suffolk — and a bit beyond.
— compiled by Brian Harmon and Michael White
