Attention, New Yorkers and New Jerseyans! Today is Election Day 2025, and we're witnessing a thrilling race for power in two of the nation's most influential states. In New York City, the battle for the 111th mayor is heating up, with Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican hopeful Curtis Sliwa all vying for the top spot. This election is not just about local politics; it's a reflection of the nation's political landscape.
Across the Hudson, New Jersey is hosting one of only two gubernatorial races in the country this year. Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli are locked in a contentious battle to become the Garden State's next governor, with national attention focused on this race. New Jersey's election is seen as a bellwether for the performance of both the White House and Congress, given its timing one year after a presidential election and one year before the midterms.
But here's where it gets controversial: the New York City ballot has sparked some debate. For years, voters have noticed candidates appearing multiple times on their ballots, and this year is no exception. Billionaire Elon Musk even took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out the NYC ballot as a "scam," claiming it was evidence of rigged voting. However, experts like Richard Briffault, a professor at Columbia Law School, explain that this practice, known as fusion voting, is perfectly legal and allows candidates to appear under multiple parties if nominated by them. Fusion voting is a strategic move to attract votes from across the political spectrum.
And this is the part most people miss: Cuomo's late entry into the race as an independent candidate explains his position at the bottom right of the ballot. It's all above board, folks!
In other news, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has refused to reveal who he voted for in the NYC mayoral election, dodging a reporter's question. Schumer has not publicly endorsed Mamdani since his primary win in June.
Additionally, New York City residents are also voting for all 51 City Council seats, with other key races including the public advocate, city comptroller, and borough presidents. The Brooklyn and Manhattan district attorney offices are also up for grabs, although Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez is running unopposed. Five city measures and one state measure will also appear on the back of the ballot, with three proposals focused on building affordable housing.
As the hours tick down to the closing of the polls, the tension is palpable. The candidates are anxiously awaiting the results, and so are we! Eyewitness News will be providing live coverage of the election results starting at 8:00 p.m., so stay tuned to ABC 7 New York for all the latest updates.
So, what do you think? Are you excited for the election results? Do you think fusion voting is a fair practice, or does it raise concerns? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss and engage in a healthy debate about these important issues.
