How Important Is Election Day 2021?

Ballot stations are once again opening up as Election Day draws closer. On Tues., Nov. 2, the United States will see elections trending in every state. New York City, New Jersey, and Boston will be selecting their primary mayor. The elections also will decide the fate of a House seat in Florida. While Election Day 2021 is considered an “off-year” across the country, many races are worth watching and may even offer a preview of the 2022 midterm election. So, don’t forget to check in with your local Supervisor of Elections office to check ballot and precinct information.

What are we looking at in this election?

Most of the races involve Democrats taking on other Democrats and offering a new taste of intra-party battles to be discussed in many states next year. With a preliminary plan, Democrats are setting their sights on Virginia and New Jersey. Meanwhile, Republicans hope to pick up on a winning message that would sweep them back into power in Washington. However, these elections aren’t just for the state governors.

Races to watch this year:

Virginia

The first and trendiest election battleground is the one in Virginia. Terry McAuliffe is trying to beat history yet again, and he is doing it in a state that has gotten significantly more blue since the last time he ran for governor eight years ago. Since then, Democrats flipped three House seats in 2018 and took complete control of the state legislature in 2019.

New Jersey

New Jersey’s Democratic incumbent Phil Murphy is fighting for the ghosts of elections past. If Murphy were to achieve a victory in his state, he would break a 44-year-old curse, meaning that he would be the first Democrat to win a second term in the New Jersey Statehouse since 1977. Murphy is mainly running on his record of progressive accomplishments and coronavirus policies. He hopes to tie his Republican opponent, former state Assemblymember Jack Ciattarelli.

New York City

The Big Apple’s fate is all but decided this election year. Democrat Eric Adams is ready to succeed New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, with members of his party significantly outnumbering that of the registered Republicans in a 7 to 1 ratio. As a Times-endorsed sanitation commissioner and progressive attorney for the MSNBC news platform, Adams has maxed out fundraising and advertising campaigns. With the odds in his favor, New York City is probably set.

Florida

Florida is serving up its special election. With a crowded Democratic field to watch, Florida’s 20th Congressional district comprises many well-known elected officials. As of right now, no single candidate seems to present themselves as the apparent frontrunner. The district in question is a Democratic district, likely giving the winner of the Nov. 2 primary an easy win for the January general election.

How soon can you send in your absentee ballot?

Every state has its regulations regarding absentee ballots. But suppose you qualify for an absentee ballot. In that case, you can go to your in-person local county board of elections or designate another person to deliver your application in person. For applications requesting to receive an absentee ballot by mail, they must be received by the Board of Elections in your county no later than fifteen days before the election. And for absentee ballots to be obtained in person, your delegation must receive applications no later than the day before the election. When turning in your absentee ballot, you must either:

1. Put it in the mail, ensuring it receives a postmark no later than Nov. 2.

2. Bring it to the County Board of Elections Office no later than Nov. 2, by 9 p.m.

3. Bringing it to an early voting poll site between Oct. 23 and Oct. 31.

4. Bringing it to a poll site on Nov. 2, by 9 p.m.

However, these dates and times may change depending on your state or county. So, be sure to check in with your local Board of Elections before officially marking any of these dates down in your calendar.

Get out and vote.

What is the importance of local elections? It’s the time to make your voice heard! Every candidate in the running has the opportunity to shine a light on the community, cause or subject matter of your choice. But it takes you getting out to the voting stations or sending in your vote by mail-in ballot to make a difference. Voting regulations will vary from state to state, so make sure to research the time and place of voting.