Ahead of Election Day this year, News 12 Long Island has everything you need before you head the polls. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Series Overview:
Wednesday, Oct. 9 -
North Hempstead Supervisor Profile There is an open seat for North Hempstead Town supervisor with Jon Kaiman leaving to head up NIFA. Looking to fill his seat is Nassau County Legislator Judi Bosworth (D) and Town Board member Dina DeGiorgio (R).
Thursday, Oct. 10 -
Huntington Supervisor Profile Twenty-year incumbent Frank Petrone (D) will face Republican town board member Eugene Cook. The supervisor seat and two council seats are up and it could affect majority control - Winning only 51 percent of the vote last election, will Petrone hang on for another term?
Friday, Oct. 11 -
Southampton Supervisor Profile Southampton supervisor candidates are facing a rematch for the third time. Incumbent Anna Throne-Holst, being challenged again by former Republican Supervisor Linda Kabot.
Monday, Oct. 14 -
New York State Prop 6: Court Judge Retirement Age Proposal 6 would amend the constitution to increase the age which judges of the Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Appeals may serve, changing it from 70 to 80. Those in favor of the amendment say the current mandatory retirement age is outdated, due to people living longer and healthier lives. Those who oppose say that increasing the age will prevent diversity.
Tuesday, Oct. 15 -
Brookhaven Supervisor Profile Former Suffolk County Legislator Vivian Viloria-Fisher is trying for the supervisor seat against incumbent Ed Romaine. At the forefront of Viloria-Fisher's campaign--snowstorm Nemo and Romaine's absenteeism.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 - Nassau Legislature Balance of Power Nassau Dems are looking to take control of the County Legislature due to shifting demographics. Currently Republicans hold a slim 10-9 majority, but there are four open seats in play. In recent years, there has been an increase in registered Democrats in Nassau. The newly created district lines this election year could have an effect on the legislature's balance of power.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 -
Nassau DA Debate Incumbent Kathleen Rice went head-to-head with Republican Howard Sturim to discuss the issues in the county.
Thursday, Oct. 17 -
Nassau DA Profile Howard Sturim (R) is challenging two-time incumbent Kathleen Rice (D). Sturim is a Nassau law clerk and former homicide and major case prosecutor.
Friday, Oct. 18 -
Smithtown Supervisor Profile In Smithtown, long-serving Supervisor Pat Vecchio (R) beat back a challenge by town board member Bob Creighton (C) during primaries. Creighton is still running on the Conservative line. Democrat Steve Snair makes this a three-way race.
Monday, Oct. 21 -
New York State Prop 1 The proposed amendment would allow the Legislature to authorize up to seven casinos in NY State on the basis that it would promote job growth, increase school aid and allow local governments to lower property taxes. Opponents argue that it could increase gambling addiction, and it is more to build a casino than the potential revenue would bring back. The first casinos would be built upstate, with no downstate casinos for at least seven years,
Whether or not the referendum passes, Long Island would get two VLT's (Video Lottery Terminals), one in Nassau (Plainview) and one in Suffolk. If the referendum fails, Nassau County then gets a second VLT.
Tuesday, Oct. 22 -
Suffolk Legislature Balance of Power In Suffolk, the Democrats hold the majority by a wide margin, 12-5. Most of the incumbents will be safe, but there are a few possible exceptions. There are also three open seats that have the potential to swing the balance of power.
Wednesday, Oct. 23 -
Nasty Campaign Ads Campaign ads have already begun to air, most of which are about attacking the opponent's record and character. Does this help voters make decisions? We separate fact from fiction and find out if ads help or hurt?
Thursday, Oct. 24 -
Nassau Comptroller Profile The comptroller race is heating up with Howard Weitzman (D) charging George Maragos (R) of "cooking the books." It is expected to be a close race between the two since Weitzman previously held the seat.
Friday, Oct. 25 -
Unopposed races/Cross-endorsement In Suffolk, all the county wide officials are cross-endorsed, leaving voters without a choice when they head to the polls. There are almost a dozen other unopposed races Island wide. Should party leaders put more effort into making races competitive and thereby giving voters a choice?
Monday, Oct. 28 -
Nassau Executive Race - Part 1 Misleading Cuomo Ad - A political ad released by County Executive Mangano has the appearance he's endorsed by Governor Cuomo, but in fact, Cuomo actually endorsed his opponent Tom Suozzi. Are voters fooled? We take a look into what both campaigns, and the Governor say about the campaign commercial.
Tuesday, Oct. 29 - Nassau County Executive Race-Part 2 Nassau Debt Fact Checker - A piece looking in detail at each candidate's budget numbers while in office. A closer look at Suozzi's spending, tax hikes and the deficit that he inherited and/or left behind. We compare numbers with Mangano's record over the past four years. Republicans say that Mangano reduced debt and that there's a surplus. Democrats says debt is the highest in the county's history. Who's right? Who's wrong? We sort it all out.
October 31 - Nassau County Executive Race-Part 3 Reassessment Fix - Nassau's assessment system has been criticized for years and it would be tough to find any Nassau County resident and business owner who doesn't think it needs fixing. Both county executive candidates agree the system is broken and needs an overhaul. What has each administration done to address the problem and what will each candidate do if elected?
November 1 - Nassau County Executive Race-Part 4
Minority Vote - In the Island's biggest contest, some experts say that minority voters could decide the race. We take a closer look at how the minority vote will impact the county executive race. Who does the minority community identify more closely with - Mangano or Suozzi?
Tuesday, Nov. 5 - Election Day