Today was the last day you can cast your ballot ahead of Election Day.

Long Islanders have been racing to the polls as high-profile candidates visited Long Island to drum up support over the weekend.

In this election, voters will be choosing congressional leaders and state senators in their respective districts. The most visible race in New York is the one for governor.

Incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul faces a stiff challenge from Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin.

There were 54 early voting sites on Long Island. According to the Board of Elections, this was the first time they've offered early voting for a gubernatorial election. Turnout was robust. News 12 was told around 92,000 people took advantage at the 27 early polling sites.

“Folks are coming out at a pace we haven't seen, it's not a presidential year so it's great, a lot of folks voting, a lot of energy,” says Jim Scheuerman, the Democratic commissioner of the Nassau County Board of Elections.

Candidates in NY-04 emphasized the importance of the election.

“If there's a year to turn out it's definitely this year,” said Democratic candidate Laura Gillen. “Democracy is on the line, women's rights are on the line and if you care about those things, you need to come out and vote.”

“We have an opportunity to make a change. We have the opportunity to elect Lee Zeldin, we have an opportunity to flip the House, give a balance of power in Washington, D.C. and that's what we're going to do,” said Republican Anthony D'Esposito.

Voters News 12 spoke with say there are several key issues motivating them to make their voices heard.

“Crime in New York City, go to New York City a lot, my kids are both in New York City. Just a big concern, it's a big issue,” said Hicksville resident Michael Scagluso.

“The abortion rights and all that kind of stuff. I'm a Democrat so I want to vote,” said Fred Amster of Huntington.

“The economy is the number one thing to me, my main focus is that,” Levittown resident Ronald Landini.

Political analyst Larry Levy says Long Island voters are poised to play a key role in changing the political landscape in this election.

“It's possible that Long Island could provide fully 10% of the competitive congressional races around the country. That puts it in position, if things remain a little closer than the polls are suggesting, that Long Island can play an outside role in determining which party controls the gavel in Congress,” he said.

Most early polling sites close at 6 p.m. today.